The final of the 2009 Altran Engineering Academy (AEA) took place this week at the ING Renault F1 Team's Technical Centre in Enstone. 22 year-old Helen Makey from the UK crossed the finish line first with her project aimed at enhancing energy efficiency using moveable aerodynamics and will join the team for a six-month placement later this year. Helen, who has a passion for karting and road rally events, is a MEng in Mechanical Engineering and was a team leader in the Formula Student competition.

Following in the footsteps of her predecessors from the UK, Spain, Sweden, the Czech Republic and Brazil, Helen will commence her placement in Enstone in September working in the Research and Development department of the Renault F1 Team under Dr. Robin Tuluie, the department head. Salary, accommodation and a Renault company car will be part of the well-earned prize offered by Altran, Total and ING Renault F1 Team.

After hearing her name called out as the winner, Helen said: "To win this competition is a dream come true. The chance to be part of the Renault Team is very special and provides me with an excellent opportunity to put my studies into practice in the dynamic world of Formula One. I'd like to thank Altran, Total and or course the Renault F1 Team for giving me this chance."

The eight other candidates from Brazil, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, and Switzerland also impressed the jury headed by Dr. Robin Tuluie. Other jury members were Alfonso Martinez, Director for Altran Technologies in Spain, Olivier Guillaud, Senior Consultant in the partnership between Altran and Renault F1 Team, and Total's F1 Engineering Expert, Philippe Girard.

After announcing the winner, Robin Tuluie confirmed his heartfelt support for the AEA: "After six years I continue to be impressed by the quality and the level of thought these young engineers bring to the competition. Their passion and ideas are inspiring and I am proud some of them will have the opportunity to fulfil their dream with the Renault F1 Team."

Philippe Girard from Total commented: "It has been inspiring to see the commitment of all the participants. Young talent is essential to the science of energy and it is encouraging to know that we can count on such quality and enthusiasm for the future of our research."

Alfonso Martinez also pointed out that, although only one winner could be chosen, the doors were not completely closed to the other participants: "Selecting the winner seems more difficult every year and I want to thank all the finalists for their contribution to this event. Both Altran and Renault F1 will keep an eye on them!"