Cosworth marks Barrichello’s 300th GP milestone celebrations in Spa

On the eve of this weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix in Spa-Francorchamps, Cosworth presented AT&T Williams driver Rubens Barrichello with a special gift – a state-of-the-art Cosworth branded Storck electric bike - in commemoration of his 300th Grand Prix.

The one-of-a-kind electric bike, manufactured by German specialists Storck Bicycle GmbH, carries Cosworth branding with a livery based on the Williams-Cosworth FW32, as well as being adorned with the special logo created by the team to honour Barrichello’s landmark of 300 Formula One races.

The bike was presented to Rubens by Cosworth engineers Dave Lamb and Phil Barrett during a well attended celebration organised by AT&T Williams and hosted in their hospitality unit. The gift was commissioned by Cosworth one month ago and personally delivered to the Spa paddock by Storck company founder Markus Storck.

Cosworth spent some time considering what would make an appropriate gift for Rubens, a driver who has amassed 11 Formula One wins, 68 podiums, 637 points and 14 pole positions since his debut in the 1993 South African Grand Prix. With Cosworth’s electronics division working closely with Storck on future ebike technologies, it was felt it might make a useful tool for the Brazilian ace at races or at home – especially as it has a special, unrestricted motor giving a top speed of 45km/h.

Cosworth has enjoyed a long-standing relationship with Rubens that dates back to his first season with Stewart-Ford in 1997 when the Cosworth engineered V10 unit powered him to an impressive second place at the wet Monaco Grand Prix. Arguably the highlight of his three-year tenure at Stewart-Ford was the 1999 season which saw Rubens register three podium finishes (San Marino, France and the debut Malaysian Grand Prix). Making a return to Cosworth power in 2010, Rubens has a pair of top five finishes to his name in Valencia and Silverstone with the promise of yet more to come in the final part of the season.

Mark Gallagher, General Manager of Cosworth’s F1 Business Unit: “It is an absolute pleasure for Cosworth to be a part of Rubens’s 300th Grand Prix celebrations and to present him with this unique Storck bicycle. Rubens’ achievement is extraordinary and as we saw again in Hungary his enthusiasm, skill and commitment remain at the very highest level. Cosworth has a long history with Rubens going back to his time at Stewart-Ford and our collaboration with AT&T Williams in 2010 has allowed us to partner with Rubens once more. Rubens has played a valuable role in the development of the CA2010 engine through the course of the season and we’re very proud of the work that we have achieved together.”