Autumnpuma 0 Report post Posted February 24, 2007 Thursday, 22, February, 2007, 17:53 Double world champion Fernando Alonso is to have a scholarship set up in his name to support 12 Spanish students to study motor sport engineering at Oxford Brookes University. The university announced on Thursday that the special Alonso scholarship is to be created, after the McLaren ace asked his private sponsor, Spanish bank CajAstur, to provide funding for Spanish students to study for a one-year Master's degree in the field. Oxford resident Alonso was at a press conference in Madrid announcing the scheme, with the students chosen to receive the scholarship to start their studies in September. "Fernando is concerned that there is a shortage of Spanish engineers in the motor sport industry, and it is exciting that he has chosen to invest in building up this area of expertise in Spain, Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Max Mosley 2 Report post Posted February 24, 2007 Yeah it's interesting. Oxford Brookes isn't the greatest uni in the world and I wonder what level of jobs the graduates would go into. Most of the top designers in F1 would have been to much more famous unis I would have thought. Could be wrong though. Presumably they would have PhD's too. So I guess this scheme is more for technical work lead by another engineer. PS If you go to Oxford Brookes, hope I haven't offended you! Feel free to point out that I know nothing about anything. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Autumnpuma 0 Report post Posted February 24, 2007 I don't know the economy of Spain very well...perhaps that's all they could afford (or likely would approve)? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Max Mosley 2 Report post Posted February 24, 2007 Yeah. Nor do I. Mid-level staff are always important - you need more of them, and you rely on their work being very good too, of course. Maybe they have enough highly skilled engineers in Spain but not enough support for them to make a motor sport industry viable. Who knows.... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JayStorm 0 Report post Posted February 27, 2007 Good on him. I know nothing about the situation either but atleast it'll make him look good and is indeed a very nice gesture. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mike meechan 0 Report post Posted March 1, 2007 Thursday, 22, February, 2007, 17:53Double world champion Fernando Alonso is to have a scholarship set up in his name to support 12 Spanish students to study motor sport engineering at Oxford Brookes University. The university announced on Thursday that the special Alonso scholarship is to be created, after the McLaren ace asked his private sponsor, Spanish bank CajAstur, to provide funding for Spanish students to study for a one-year Master's degree in the field. Oxford resident Alonso was at a press conference in Madrid announcing the scheme, with the students chosen to receive the scholarship to start their studies in September. "Fernando is concerned that there is a shortage of Spanish engineers in the motor sport industry, and it is exciting that he has chosen to invest in building up this area of expertise in Spain," said Dr Denise Morrey, dean of the university's School of Technology. "As a racing driver, he has recognised the importance of engineering to the world of motor sports, and this investment should have a great knock-on effect for Spain's economy." **** Another example (along with being a UNICEF 'ambassador') of Alonso's good intentions......uh....aren't those supposed to pave the way to Hell? Erm, well, anyway, good on him for putting forth the effort and, even though it's just a token sort of thing, showing that he cares. Sort of. EDIT: forgot to add the source.... itv-f1.com An *informed* posted that any university would dignify with an equally (properly) informed riposte. Yeah it's interesting. Oxford Brookes isn't the greatest uni in the world and I wonder what level of jobs the graduates would go into. Oxford Brookes was the first university *in the world* to listen to the motorsport industry, build a market-driven degree course around their requirments, and start providing industry-ready graduates. We have the broadest and deepest range of dedicated motorsport engineering courses anywhere on the planer - eight programmes, spanning HND and foundation degrees, through BSc, BEng, MEng, and on to MSc and PhD (the majority of which are undertaken in collaboration with local F1 companies, q.v. RenaultF1 and HondaF1). 'What level of jobs do the graduates get' - typically, design engineer at RenaultF1, race engineer at Red Bull, composites engineer at Williams, design enginer at Honda. The calibre of graduates is so good at Oxford Brookes that around 16% of the final year cohort (9-11 people every year) go straight into F1 (three went staright to Williams last year. A placement student - between his second and final year - is currently David Coulthard's race engineer. Anothe 30 or so graduates go off to work in other motorsport formulae, or their supply chain - the Xtracs, Prodrives and Menards of the motorsport world. 'Most of the top designers in F1 would have been to much more famous unis I would have thought. Could be wrong though. Presumably they would have PhD's too. So I guess this scheme is more for technical work lead by another engineer.' Apart from places like Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial, and perhaps Loughborough and Southampton (for people like aerodynamicists and CFD), for the last 10 years, this has not been the case. Companies instead look to an institution's participation in - and the overall grid position achieved - in the Formula Student competition. Oxford Brookes has been the best-competing UK university three years out of the last four, and we were third in the world in 2006. Our budget is 10000 euros: the outright winners had 1 million euros. We still won the most prestigious events - 'cost' and 'endurance' by a comfortable margin. We've also recruited staff form the highest echelons of the industry. Geoff Goddard, who teaches our Racing Engine Design Masters course, was for many years Chief Engine Designer at Cosworth, and then Head of Engine Design at TWR Arrows. He has designed 174 race-winning engines in his career, including Michael Schumacher's first, and Fernado Alonso's 2005 season-winning V10. This perhaps influenced Alonso's decision to invest in us... Whilst I'm perhaps less than objective, the proof of the pudding is in what industry thinks of us... The local motorsport industry has supported us heavily, providing over Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Max Mosley 2 Report post Posted March 1, 2007 OK thanks! Glad we got a new member out of my post - and clearly one heavily involved with motorsport. In fairness, I think I was pretty clear I was simply wondering about the issue out loud and looking for precisely the kind of info you have provided. I stand by my assertion that "Oxford Brookes" isn't the best uni in the world, but clearly it has a particular strength in this area, which explains my surprise that this scholarship would be set up there. In fact it does make sense for you to specialise in this area given your location. I'm actually very interested in the qualifications you need to be an engineer in F1. For instance, how many people do your masters from Imperial or Oxbridge every year? And btw, welcome to the forum! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pabloh20 1 Report post Posted March 1, 2007 OK thanks! Glad we got a new member out of my post - and clearly one heavily involved with motorsport. In fairness, I think I was pretty clear I was simply wondering about the issue out loud and looking for precisely the kind of info you have provided. I stand by my assertion that "Oxford Brookes" isn't the best uni in the world, but clearly it has a particular strength in this area, which explains my surprise that this scholarship would be set up there. In fact it does make sense for you to specialise in this area given your location. I'm actually very interested in the qualifications you need to be an engineer in F1. For instance, how many people do your masters from Imperial or Oxbridge every year?And btw, welcome to the forum! I hope you don't mind me saying, Muzza, but that was a complete D'OH!!!! At least he didn't take offence!! Welcome, by the way, Mike Meechan. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Max Mosley 2 Report post Posted March 1, 2007 I don't mind at all! As I say, I think it's an easy mistake to make. Even Mike agreed more came from Oxbridge and a few other places, so I wasn't entirely wrong! One thing I will say is that I hope Mike (Meechan) keeps posting as he would be a great source of technical info for us. And from a personal point of view, I'm interested in how hard it is to get into the F1 teams. I know someone whose first job is at McLaren, and I often think his job would be interesting! So I mean I'd like to know things like the typical first degree of the top designers. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pabloh20 1 Report post Posted March 1, 2007 I don't mind at all! As I say, I think it's an easy mistake to make. Even Mike agreed more came from Oxbridge and a few other places, so I wasn't entirely wrong! Indeed, it was, Sir. I just think it was funny that an Oxford Brookes expert popped out of the woodwork to correct you..........it's not Claudia under another name is it?? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Max Mosley 2 Report post Posted March 1, 2007 Nope! It's not Claudia - she doesn't know anything about engineering. (Btw I gave you the chance to meet her in the poetry thread in the cafe.) And yes it was quite funny - just my luck! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pabloh20 1 Report post Posted March 1, 2007 Nope! It's not Claudia - she doesn't know anything about engineering. (Btw I gave you the chance to meet her in the poetry thread in the cafe.) And yes it was quite funny - just my luck! Damn, I heard she had a good engine on her too, must have been mistaken! I did read that, but she seemed a little too obsessed with ickle Nick so I thought I'd wait until she's been rejected and the rebound, so I can get her when she's at her most vulnerable! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Max Mosley 2 Report post Posted March 1, 2007 You'll be waiting a long time my friend! Claudia ain't a fickle chick after all. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pabloh20 1 Report post Posted March 1, 2007 You'll be waiting a long time my friend! Claudia ain't a fickle chick after all. Patience is a virtue! Something Claudia knows nothing about, so I'm told! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Max Mosley 2 Report post Posted March 1, 2007 What gave you that impression? She's been waiting her whole life for Nick! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pabloh20 1 Report post Posted March 1, 2007 What gave you that impression? She's been waiting her whole life for Nick! You told me!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jocasta 0 Report post Posted March 1, 2007 silly murray. hes forgotten. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mike meechan 0 Report post Posted March 1, 2007 Glad the response was taken in the spirit intended... Three points, in response to your queries. It's not the case that *most* graduate entrants to motorsport (particularly F1) come from Oxbridge etc. - more the case that they provide a few (the very brightest minds etc. etc.), particularly in highly mathematical fields. Our masters programme currently spans three different MSc degrees - Racing Engine Design, Motorsport Engineering, and High Performance Engineering. 2006 was only the second year of its operation, and we have circa 16 students across the programme. This is comparable to the Cranfield programme, which has been running much longer. How hard is it to get into F1 - Williams get about 25,000 applications per year for something like 10 places. So, for Brookes to place 4 engineers immediately after graduation, in the same year, puts things into perspective, and says something for these guy's (and gals's) ability (and the value of our programme). Hope that this helps. Mike. PS Check out my project's website at www.msportknowledge.ac.uk Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Quiet One 15 Report post Posted March 1, 2007 Glad the response was taken in the spirit intended...Three points, in response to your queries. It's not the case that *most* graduate entrants to motorsport (particularly F1) come from Oxbridge etc. - more the case that they provide a few (the very brightest minds etc. etc.), particularly in highly mathematical fields. Our masters programme currently spans three different MSc degrees - Racing Engine Design, Motorsport Engineering, and High Performance Engineering. 2006 was only the second year of its operation, and we have circa 16 students across the programme. This is comparable to the Cranfield programme, which has been running much longer. How hard is it to get into F1 - Williams get about 25,000 applications per year for something like 10 places. So, for Brookes to place 4 engineers immediately after graduation, in the same year, puts things into perspective, and says something for these guy's (and gals's) ability (and the value of our programme). Hope that this helps. Mike. PS Check out my project's website at www.msportknowledge.ac.uk Great posts Meechan (Sorry, but Mike is taken by our illustrious Autumnpuma!). Welcome to the forum! Hope you stay around all season, your views will be very much appreciated. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pabloh20 1 Report post Posted March 1, 2007 Glad the response was taken in the spirit intended...Three points, in response to your queries. It's not the case that *most* graduate entrants to motorsport (particularly F1) come from Oxbridge etc. - more the case that they provide a few (the very brightest minds etc. etc.), particularly in highly mathematical fields. Our masters programme currently spans three different MSc degrees - Racing Engine Design, Motorsport Engineering, and High Performance Engineering. 2006 was only the second year of its operation, and we have circa 16 students across the programme. This is comparable to the Cranfield programme, which has been running much longer. How hard is it to get into F1 - Williams get about 25,000 applications per year for something like 10 places. So, for Brookes to place 4 engineers immediately after graduation, in the same year, puts things into perspective, and says something for these guy's (and gals's) ability (and the value of our programme). Hope that this helps. Mike. PS Check out my project's website at www.msportknowledge.ac.uk Meech, if I may be so bold as to offer some advice. I looked at some of the pics under formula schools on your website and quite frankly I just don't how you're going to get drivers to fit in those cars. Honestly, they're barely big enough for a hand, let alone a driver. Now I know that's going to help you with the power to weight ration and aerodynamics, but I don't think it complies with the F1 rules. If you just go a tad bigger, I think you may be ok! I'd like to say you'll fit in well here, but quite frankly you won't. Don't take it personally, but it looks like you know stuff and........well.........you only have to see the posts so far to realise that we don't know much at all. Well I say 'we', but I just pretend not to know stuff just to fit in with this lot, you know, so as not to make them feel too inferior and even if I say so myself, I do a really good job pretending! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Autumnpuma 0 Report post Posted March 1, 2007 Great posts Meechan (Sorry, but Mike is taken by our illustrious Autumnpuma!). Welcome to the forum!Hope you stay around all season, your views will be very much appreciated. I would consider it an honour to share the name 'Mike' with Mr. Meechan. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
goferrarigo 0 Report post Posted March 2, 2007 Meech, if I may be so bold as to offer some advice. I looked at some of the pics under formula schools on your website and quite frankly I just don't how you're going to get drivers to fit in those cars. Honestly, they're barely big enough for a hand, let alone a driver. Now I know that's going to help you with the power to weight ration and aerodynamics, but I don't think it complies with the F1 rules. If you just go a tad bigger, I think you may be ok!I'd like to say you'll fit in well here, but quite frankly you won't. Don't take it personally, but it looks like you know stuff and........well.........you only have to see the posts so far to realise that we don't know much at all. Well I say 'we', but I just pretend not to know stuff just to fit in with this lot, you know, so as not to make them feel too inferior and even if I say so myself, I do a really good job pretending! You forget that Andres pretends as well, he know good secrets abt how to get with the ladies yet hides it Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Quiet One 15 Report post Posted March 2, 2007 You forget that Andres pretends as well, he know good secrets abt how to get with the ladies yet hides it Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Autumnpuma 0 Report post Posted March 2, 2007 Bald is the wave of the future. Notice how even the smileys are bald? We with ample hair are becoming obsolete....and the ladies know this. Darwinism at it's finest! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
goferrarigo 0 Report post Posted March 2, 2007 Bald is the wave of the future. Notice how even the smileys are bald? We with ample hair are becoming obsolete....and the ladies know this. Darwinism at it's finest! I think that is the best comfort you can give to yourself Mike about lossing hair., Just kidding Mate, as you know Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
