SECRET OF OUR SUCCESS: BARNES POINTS TO NEW TECHNICAL DIRECTOR
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – The biggest step Panther took towards getting back up to speed in 2008 wasn’t a new driver, a new sponsor, or a batch of new crewman. With IndyCar Series competition getting tighter, and teams using the same chassis, engines and tires – Panther needed to get to the heart of finding more speed – engineering and, more specifically, the entire aerodynamic and technical side of its operation. Panther looked to fill its empty seat of Technical Director, a position that had been open since Andy Brown left shortly before the 2006 season. And, much like the way they found Brown in Panther’s early days – team owner John Barnes looked outside the box for an answer to his team’s woes. “There was a need there,” Barnes said of the position. “I didn’t want to hire somebody that was going to sit there and tell me all the new things we needed to buy and all the new crew guys we needed to hire. I wanted a team player that could take our car, our drivers and our resources to the next level. “Henri Durand is that guy.”
“I am very excited to join Panther Racing,” Durand said. “This is a team with a prestigious pedigree and I have been impressed with the quality of people who work here. John Barnes’ ethics and dedication to his team are first class, and I’m happy to join this group.” Despite spending time with F-1 teams including Ferrari, Prost and Jordan, the bulk of his success came during a decade-long stint at McLaren from 1990-2000 – a span in which McLaren drivers won four World Championships and the team collected three constructors’ titles with drivers Ayrton Senna (1990-91) and Mika Hakkinen (1998-99). “The IRL championship is very competitive, and, whilst very different from F1, does still pose significant challenges to a good technical team,” Durand explained. “Hopefully my experience in the design of Formula 1 racing cars can bring Panther a few more ingredients to enable a return to the level of success that it has enjoyed in the recent past.” Durand was Chief Engineer in charge of aerodynamics during his time at McLaren, when he was responsible for aerodynamic design and development of all McLaren Formula One cars. “His resume speaks for itself,” Barnes said. “An hour after he walked in the door, he was making a positive difference on the team.” Nobody is more excited about Durand’s arrival than veteran driver Vitor Meira, who joined Durand for the first time during a test recently in Alabama. The test was short, and the track unfamiliar, but Panther’s Brazilian came away impressed. “I don’t know how else to say it – but he’s awesome,” Meira admitted. “He knows these cars and anticipates how they’ll react. For every change we make, Henri is thinking about how that affects every other part of the car – and it’s going to make a difference.” Meira summed up a sentiment shared by most people in the Panther shop these days. “I wish the season started this weekend.” |
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Durand, a 47-year-old Frenchman who joined the team immediately following the conclusion of the season, was just the person Barnes and Panther were looking for. With 20 years of experience in Formula One as a designer, aerodynamicist, chief engineer and technical director, Durand has the experience to put Panther’s cars back into victory lane.