5
and the United Arab Emirates about
Formulino. However, by far the most
important single role in our
internationalization strategy will be played by
the United States, where we have barely
scratched the surface of the aeronautical and
automotive sectors, and where there is almost
limitless scope for growth».
Innovation has always been a keyword at
Dallara. Can you give us an idea of where
Dallara is committed to innovating in the
near future?
«
Our three cornerstones always have been, and
always will be, composite materials in carbon
fibre, aerodynamics and vehicle dynamics. As
far as the first of these is concerned, we will be
increasing our research into dynamic crashes,
carrying out fatigue and gluing studies, and
opening up new areas of application, while
continuing to develop new production
techniques. With reference to aerodynamics,
our main priority is to improve the efficiency of
the wind tunnel and to strengthen the
association with the simulator, without
neglecting numerical aerodynamics (CFD)
where the evolution of super-computers and
software systems are creating opportunities
that would have been unthinkable a few years
ago. Lastly, vehicle dynamics, and in particular
the simulator, offer an enormous amount
scope for development: the limit does not lie in
the technology, but in our own heads and the
uses that our imaginations can come up with».
The simulator is becoming increasingly
popular with the teams and drivers. Are
there any innovations planned for 2013?
«
So far we have only developed certain
elements of the car on the simulator, but now,
for the first time, we are developing a
complete virtual car, the Formula Nippon,
using the simulator right from the initial
design stages: drivers will be able to drive a
car that has never been built».
The collaboration with Alessandro Zanardi
for the Paralympic Games in London was an
unqualified success. Will you be following up
on this success?
«
We’re in discussions with Zanardi. We would
like to work on a hand-bike project that is
suitable for everyone, based on our
experience. We'll see if anything comes of it».
Formula 3, GP2, GP3: what does the future
hold for the F.1 feeder categories?
«
Our world is changing, cost is now of
paramount importance, along with the need
to attract the paying public. For me the most
important thing is to get the younger
generations interested in motor sports through
the new technologies (social networks,
videogames etc.) so that the public are more
willing to participate and interact».
What can you tell us about the new initiative
in the Super Formula in Japan?
«
For us, moving into the Japanese motor sports
market is an exciting challenge. We must
demonstrate that we can provide a safe, reliable
car that is fun to drive, at low cost. It sounds
simple, but in practice it's a very complex
process».
Will we ever see a Dallara designed for
everyday drivers?
«
We intend to build a very small production run
of a car that encapsulates the Dallara DNA: a
sporty car that combines the thrill of the track
with the pleasure of a drive in the country, at a
reasonable price. We already have the first
drafts, the vehicle will be very light, thanks to
the use of carbon fibre, it will feature a highly
aerodynamic design and offer great track
performance while keeping fuel consumption to
a minimum».
Is Dallara interested in expanding into sectors
beyond motor sports?
«
Yes, although obviously we have no intention of
abandoning our roots: design and production
using composite material, aerodynamics and
vehicle dynamics. There are numerous potential
applications where these three specialized skills
could be put to use outside the racing world. But
whatever else happens, we will never lose that
racing soul that drives us to do everything we do
with a passion».
Alessandro Santini
