16/03/2008
NEWS STORY
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Formula One drivers showed their support for the FIA's Make Cars Green campaign at the Australian Grand Prix today.
All of the drivers competing in the championship participated in a campaign photocall following the official FIA 2008 season photo session.
Make Cars Green is a global campaign, aimed at helping to reduce the impact of motoring on the environment. The FIA led initiative, supported by global partner Bridgestone, will be rolled-out at campaign events throughout the year.
Max Mosley, President of the FIA, said: "The FIA has worked closely with the automotive industry in the introduction of energy efficient and environmentally relevant technologies in Formula One. It is encouraging to see that drivers at the top level of motor sport are backing this green approach and supporting our Make Cars Green Campaign.
"Energy efficient technologies are the future of greener motoring and we hope that the global platform that Formula One provides can help to accelerate their introduction on our roads."
Shoshi Arakawa, Chairman of the Board, CEO and President of Bridgestone Corporation, said: "Environmental preservation is one of the most critical issues of our time. At the Bridgestone group, we have been expanding and enhancing eco-conscious management activities to provide a safe environment for future generations. Our collaboration with the FIA is an excellent opportunity to globalise our initiative. I am sincerely looking forward to working with the FIA on the Make Cars Green Campaign."
The Make Cars Green campaign forms part of the FIA's ongoing commitment to work with policy makers, industry and motoring consumers to encourage greener motoring. The FIA Formula One World Championship will take a lead in this when in 2009 hybrid devices called KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery Systems) will be introduced. These devices can store energy under braking and re-use that energy for acceleration. It is the first in a number of initiatives set to make the sport more road relevant and environmentally sustainable.