No pit stops for DHL at Formula 1
DHL is responsible for all of the freight movements for the Formula 1 teams, including the transportation of the racing cars, as well as engines, tyres, spare parts and fuel.
With the 2008 Formula 1 season off to a spectacular start, DHL is once again geared up for the meticulous execution of one of the most challenging logistics operations in the world of sports.
As the official logistics partner for Formula 1, DHL is utilizing the company's global network, expertise and resources, to transport over 300 tons of specialist material for the Bahrain Formula 1 Grand Prix, to be held from April 4 to 6.
DHL is responsible for all of the freight movements for the Formula 1 teams, including the transportation of the racing cars, as well as engines, tyres, spare parts and fuel, in addition to all of the equipment used in the pits, Paddock Club and telecast.
On average, 20,000 individual items are transported for each F1 race
"The logistical demands of Formula 1 mean that it is life in the fast lane for our specialist teams," said Michel Akavi, DHL Area Director Middle East. "Not one wheel could turn in Formula 1 without DHL's speed, precision, knowledge and resources. Even the slightest fraction of a second can be crucial on the track, and that is exactly why DHL has been the trusted partner of choice for Formula 1, during our five-year association with the event and our 20 years of experience in working with the teams," said Michel Akavi.
For DHL, the Formula 1 preparations started in January and continue twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Throughout the racing season, the 300 tons of material moves across six continents and between eighteen cities by land, sea and air, to a tightly controlled timetable, to ensure that there is no disruption to the event's calendar. On average, 20,000 individual items – the smallest being a 1.5 mm screw and the largest the car engine itself – are transported for each Formula 1 race.
DHL also maintains a mobile logistics unit at each race track, with an 'Extra Services Team' standing by to meet all of the special requirements and requests for last minute deliveries, from teams, organisers and sponsors. Deliveries to and from the track can be made within 24 hours by express flight, with an on-board courier accompanying packages on some occasions, to expedite customs clearance. Onward transportation may then also take place by helicopter, to deliver the shipment directly to the circuit.
DHL also acts as the official naming patron of the Fastest Lap Trophy
The 2008 Formula 1 season began on March 16 with the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne and will end in Sao Paulo, Brazil in November, with the crowning of a new world champion. DHL also acts as the official naming patron of the 'DHL Fastest Lap Trophy', an award given at the end of the Formula 1 season, to the race driver with the highest number of fastest laps to his credit.
The Bahrain Grand Prix is the third in a series of 18 races that keep DHL's specialist teams busy throughout the season. "For the 22 drivers blazing past the finishing line in Bahrain, it may be the end of another grinding race, but for DHL, it is just the beginning of another race against time to get everything to the next race destination," said Michel Akavi.
"As the world leader in logistics, DHL has successfully combined its land, sea and air transport capabilities to provide Formula 1 with the required logistics solution, allowing organisers and drivers to focus singularly on the race ahead," Michel Akavi concluded.
