Helix has partnered with electric hypercar brand McMurtry Automotive to develop a bespoke drive motor system for the McMurtry Spéirling Pure Electric Fan Hypercar. The new system is compatible with McMurtry’s gearbox.

Featuring two Helix SPX242-94 motors at the rear, Spéirling can deliver up to 1,000hp. Helix’s bespoke propulsion system works alongside McMurtry‘s proprietary downforce-on-demand fan system to deliver groundbreaking performance.

Capable of accelerating from 0-96km/h in 1.5 seconds and covering 0.4km in eight seconds, Spéirling has already achieved records at the Goodwood Festival of Speed and Laguna Seca Hill Climb, and driven the fastest-ever lap of the Top Gear test track.

Helix electric motors are confirmed for application on the McMurtry Spéirling Pure production car, set for first customer deliveries in 2026.

Developed from Helix’s scalable core technology range, the SPX242-94 is one of the most powerful motors the company has ever produced. Each unit provides 500Nm of torque, in an ultra-lightweight package of 33kg.

The SPX242-94’s packaging reportedly unlocks new automotive design possibilities, allowing for the most effective use of space within the Spéirling’s compact, single-seater configuration.

Expanding technology access

Building on the success of the Spéirling program, a new division called McMurtry Technology offers OEMs the opportunity to access proven technologies for their own programs, including fan downforce systems to improve performance and safety, high-performance batteries using tailored designs or modules already developed for the Spéirling, and e-axles to deliver proven powertrain performance.

Simon Mead, automotive chief engineer at Helix, said, “The McMurtry Spéirling is an exceptional example of British engineering and demonstrates one of the most effective applications of advanced electric motor technology. We are proud to have been involved in its journey from an early stage, with Helix drive motor propulsion systems featuring throughout the evolution of this groundbreaking hypercar, from prototype to production. The partnership between Helix and McMurtry reflects our passion for pushing boundaries and driving the advancement of next-generation propulsion systems.”

In recent news, Red Bull Ford Powertrains reveals how metrology partner Hexagon helped shape its first F1 powertrain

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Qualification for the second season of the Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League (A2RL) has concluded with TUM in pole position — and Italy’s Unimore team setting a new autonomous lap record that outstrips the benchmark set by a human racing driver. Six teams qualified for the grand final, which is to take place on November 15.

A2RL showcases cutting-edge autonomous technology, advancing AI development through high-speed competition in extreme conditions. Eleven international teams gathered in Abu Dhabi to qualify for the second season of the autonomous racing championship, with six teams – TUM, Unimore, Kinetiz, TII Racing, PoliMOVE and Constructor  – qualifying for the grand final on November 15.

The competition is designed to push artificial intelligence (AI) to its physical limits as academic institutions, private companies and privateer race teams compete on the world stage for a US$2.25m prize pool.

Record lap times 

History was made during the qualification week as teams began to consistently record sub-one-minute lap times on the Yas Marina Circuit’s North configuration. The Unimore team, a returning finalist, set an autonomous lap record of 58.87 seconds — seven hundredths of a second faster than the 59.20-second benchmark set by a professional racing driver during data collection laps.

The record-setting lap was achieved during Pace Qualification, where all teams completed three separate 15-minute sessions to set their fastest possible times. This was followed by Multi-Car Qualification, four heats of 12 laps, where performance highlights included a spectacular overtake on Unimore from TUM, securing pole position in their pursuit of back-to-back wins.

Six-car grand final

Six teams – TUM, Unimore, Kinetiz, TII Racing, PoliMOVE and Constructor – representing four countries qualified for the 24-lap multi-car Grand Final race on November 15. The event will also feature a Silver Race time trial for the remaining five A2RL teams.

This year, former F1 driver Daniil Kvyat returns for the second edition of the Human vs AI showcase — a head-to-head demonstration of machine precision against human instinct, highlighting the rapid evolution of AI performance.

Stephane Timpano, CEO of Aspire, commented, “This season, we’re pushing the boundaries of autonomous racing even further and redefining what is possible. From week to week, we are seeing ‘machine’ capabilities rapidly approaching human performance – even surpassing some human benchmark times set during data collection. This week, Unimore has thrown down the gauntlet with a record-breaking lap time.

“Next month, we will witness six formidably competitive teams race for victory. Last year’s A2RL Champion TUM is in pole position, but given the intense competition during qualification, the Grand Final in November is set to be an exhilarating conclusion!”

Ayoub Raji, co-lead of Unimore Racing, said, “We are proud to have demonstrated that an autonomous race car can deliver close to human capabilities. The competition was fierce, with many teams bringing extensive experience and strong technical resources. Our autonomous stack proved not only to be the fastest but also the safest, skillfully exploiting the curbs to avoid a collision during TUM’s overtake. We can’t wait to be back on track for the Grand Final on November 15, pushing our software to the absolute limit in pursuit of first place.”

In related news, Sporting and technical regulations approved for 2025 FIA WEC

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Following its third meeting, the FIA World Motor Sport Council has announced new regulations for sustainable energy and e-karting and minor amendments to the Formula 1 Technical Regulations.

FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem said, “So far, this year has been one of growth as we see partnerships and championships go from strength to strength. We have accelerated our organization’s digital transformation – empowering our members with the introduction of the cutting-edge FIA Digital Licensing Platform with an ongoing investment of over €1.6m (US$1.8m).”

Sustainable energy for all motorsport

The World Council has approved Article 266, which defines the general regulatory framework applicable to all energy sources used in FIA competitions, namely liquid fuels, electric power and hydrogen (both liquid and gaseous).

Its objective is to establish common principles that ensure safety and promote the transition toward sustainable mobility. It details specific provisions related to each energy type and is the first time this information has been made available as a singular resource.

Regulatory updates: Formula 1 

As the process of finalizing the new Concorde Governance Agreement for the FIA Formula 1 World Championship nears its conclusion, the World Council approved minor changes to the 2026 Technical Regulations. The revisions relate to the survival cell, suspension, aerodynamic components and power unit, to the Power Unit Financial Regulations and to the Operational Regulations.

The most significant of these changes relates to the ADUO concept (Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities), which is intended to provide greater development opportunities for PU manufacturers who find themselves significantly behind their competition in terms of performance. Performance will be measured between all power units continuously, and after Races 6, 12 and 18 ADUO could be allocated to address such a situation.

Rally commission

The World Council has approved the creation of an RC6 class for Rally6 Group cars – an entry level specification designed to be as cost effective as possible, particularly in terms of the running costs. These vehicles will be based on: a four-seater, two-wheel drive ICE car; standard 1.6T or 2.0 NA engine with competition ECU; power-to-weight ratio of 7.5kg/hp (e.g. 1,050kg/140hp),H-pattern gearbox, production brakes and tires; non-adjustable competition shock absorbers; and safety level equivalent to Rally5-Kit.

Karting

Karting has additional technical and homologation regulations for junior and senior e-karting, expanding upon the existing e-karting technical regulations.

Junior and senior classes are limited to 60V, with centrally positioned batteries. Following extensive testing, the FIA will now homologate electric drivetrains, with power capped at 23kW for junior and 28kW for senior classes.

Akbar Ebrahim, FIA Karting commission president, said, “E-karting presents a significant opportunity to contribute to the continued growth of global karting and these regulations will unlock fresh possibilities for events and championships around the world. With the launch of new e-karting classes, the inaugural Arrive and Drive Continental Championships and the largest FIA Karting calendar to date, 2026 is shaping up to be a golden year for karting.”

In related news, Mopar joins Team Peugeot TotalEnergies for 2026 WEC

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Siemens Digital Industries Software has announced that Briggs Automotive Company (BAC) will use the Siemens Xcelerator software portfolio to develop the next-generation Mono, its single-seater, road-legal race car.

Developed to be equally at home on the road as it is on the track, the 570kg Mono supercar is powered by a naturally aspirated 2.5L powertrain which develops 311bhp and 313Nm of torque, which translates to a power-to-weight ratio of 546 hp-per-metric ton.

With optimal weight distribution and a lightweight structure featuring BAC’s graphene-infused carbon panels, the Mono accelerates to 60mph in 2.7 seconds. However, the team aims to significantly improve this number in the next generation vehicle.

To push the limits of high-performance automotive design, BAC’s senior management and design team reevaluated their core development technologies and chose Siemens’ NX X from the Designcenter suite for the next-generation Mono’s engineering.

“Anything that helps us be ahead of the game and be ahead of anybody else. The reason we chose Siemens’ Designcenter software to develop the next generation of Mono is because it’s the best – and it gives us the tools we need to take our vision to the next level,” said Ian Briggs, design director and co-founder.

“Our vision was to create a car that simply didn’t exist. The fundamental principle of a sports car is choosing excitement over utility, and we took that to the nth degree. Mono is that philosophy made real—a vehicle without compromise, built to prove that being ahead of the game means refusing to compromise on the driving experience.”

The challenge of homologation

BAC’s move to Designcenter is intended to address the challenge of serving a global customer base and certifying that a vehicle complies with the regulatory and safety standards set in a particular region or country.

Briggs explained, “A key challenge for us is homologating the car for the global market. Understanding the specific positional requirements for everything from headlights to driver sight lines is a complex minefield. The great advantage of Designcenter is that it allows us to build that entire regulatory framework directly into our 3D CAD model, giving us new levels of confidence and a greater speed of development.”

Immersive design

BAC is also exploring ways to enhance the customer buying and customization experience with Siemens’ immersive engineering technology, enabling customers to use immersive XR technology to experience their bespoke vehicles, based on real-world 3D CAD data, presented in high-fidelity realism.

Elliott Marshall, production manager, BAC, said, “The thing that makes BAC truly unique is the bespoke elements. Siemens’ Immersive Engineering technology allows us to present to the customer exactly what they’re ordering. Being able to sit in their seat fitting jig and see all of the personal customizations they want around them, interact with them as if they’re already implemented, is going to get the fire burning within them.”

In related news, Horse Powertrain, via its Aurobay Technologies division, has signed an agreement to supply engines for the ARC2, a new rally car developed by USA-based JRD Motorsport for the American Rally Association’s RC2 class

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Cosworth has unveiled its next-generation CCW Mk3 steering wheel, which made its debut at the opening round of the IndyCar championship in St Petersburg, Florida, on March 2.

“Cosworth has been at the forefront of motorsport technology for decades, and our latest evolution of the CCW Mk3 steering wheel sets a new benchmark for performance in IndyCar,” said Ethan Duncan, US motorsport manager, Cosworth.

“This wheel is the result of extensive collaboration with teams and drivers to ensure it meets the highest standards in ergonomics, customization and race-critical functionality. By working closely with the IndyCar teams, we’ve created a product that balances cutting-edge technology with real-world usability.”

Development of the CCW Mk3 began with an in-depth consultation with IndyCar teams to understand their evolving needs. One of the primary focuses was ergonomics, ensuring the wheel simultaneously provides optimal comfort and efficiency. A key outcome of this collaboration was the decision to adopt a gripless design, enabling teams to apply bespoke grips tailored to individual driver preferences. This personalization feature ensures that each competitor can configure their steering wheel for maximum control and comfort during races.

Further refinements include an increase in wheel diameter from 280mm to 300mm, a new design that’s been engineered to meet specific IndyCar requirements for the 2025 season. Additionally, working in close collaboration with the IndyCar medical team, thumb clearance on the steering wheel has been enhanced to reduce the risk of injury in high-load racing scenarios, a crucial consideration in the fast-paced world of IndyCar.

A first for IndyCar

The CCW Mk3 also introduces a push/pull paddle shifting system, a first for IndyCar. Alongside this, rear button placements have been optimized based on driver feedback, ensuring crucial controls are within easy reach while maintaining a natural hand position.

The wheel also integrates a fully configurable 5in TFT display, providing drivers with real-time data. RGB LED indicators, fully customizable for buttons, rotary switches and shift lights, enable teams to fine-tune visibility based on their racing environment and driver preference.

The CCW Mk3 also features 12 front-facing button inputs, four additional rear buttons, four front rotary switches and two thumbwheel encoders, providing control and customization.

“The CCW Mk3 is a game-changer for IndyCar,” added Duncan. “From the push/pull paddle system to the customizable backlighting and TFT display, we have packed this wheel with advanced technology to give IndyCar drivers the best possible experience on track. Every function, every button and every ergonomic consideration has been fine-tuned to deliver precision and performance at the highest level of competition.”

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Indycar is set to introduce a new version of its aeroscreen this weekend at the Long Beach Grand Prix. Originally introduced in 2020, and developed in conjunction with Red Bull Advanced Technologies, the screen fulfils the same role as F1’s Halo, but with the addition of a ballistic screen to protect drivers from debris.

The new screen has several modifications, including vents for driver cooling –  with the vent ducting 3D printed in a rubber material to minimize the possibility of injuries.

“One of the objectives of doing a 2.0 version was to save weight,” said Tino Belli, director of aerodynamic development at Indycar. “Then we’ve taken that opportunity to also make the styling nicer, improve the driver ventilation, and make the thinner polycarbonate as strong as the thicker polycarbonate.”

In addition to aesthetic improvements, the new screen assembly is approximately 2kg lighter than the first generation. Indycar had already introduced a new, topologically optimized frame at the start of the 2024 season, and the screen and frame combined are now 5kg lighter than in 2023. Notably, the revised screen cuts downforce by around 15kg.

According to Indycar, during its initial redesign evaluation, venting for drivers was identified as a key demand. As it turned out, these vents could be added without a complete rework of the original design with driver feedback indicating that the wide range of vision in the original design was not needed.

“We learned over the years where the limit of the vision was,” Belli said. “In the first version, we were conservative. We gave them a wider field of vision. We found out that they didn’t need it. So, now we’ve used that space to create a vent which comes underneath the titanium top frame and it gets ducted down to blow air toward the driver’s chest.” An optional filter can be added to the honeycomb mesh to help filter any dust from entering the cockpit.

The new screen was not due to arrive until Indianapolis in May, however, sufficient units were available to enable this to be brought forward to Long Beach.

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Maserati’s MCXtrema has returned to the track for a series of tests until late April, to gather the data needed for its final tune-ups before delivery of the first model, scheduled for late summer 2024.

MCXtrema is a non-road-homologated race car produced in 62 units, with a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine, that can produce up to 730hp (540kW).

In February, it had its first official outing at the Autodromo Varano de’ Melegari in Parma, Italy, where its was driven by Maserati chief test driver Andrea Bertolini, who has been working on its development in the dynamic simulator since the early stages.

Bertolini said, “Taking a new car to the track always results in a special, unique feeling, as is the case for the MCXtrema. A wonderful creation made to devour the asphalt and trip through the curves, a true gem of mechanics and aerodynamics, perfect for balance and handling.

“For months, we worked together with a team of highly skilled and passionate people, waiting for the moment we could bring the finished object to its natural habitat, after putting it through its virtual paces in sophisticated simulations.

“The interior has been designed around the driver; we developed a cockpit as a cross between a fighter and a Formula 1 single-seater. MCXtrema is an evolution of the MC20 without type approval for the road.”

MCXlusiva customization program

From the MCXtrema’s construction stages, Maserati has taken each MCXtrema customer’s personalization into consideration. The MCXlusiva customization program is reserved for the 62 customers of the MCXtrema, and is dedicated and designed to give them an unique experience.

A Blue Xtrema color has been created specifically for the vehicle, and the program provides the option to customize your car in one of three variants created by the Maserati Centro Stile: Tech Beast, Corse and Speed Beast.

The car’s customisation also includes a choice of two options for the color of the wheel rims, Matte Black or Grigio Corsa Bright, and three versions for the seats – Blue, Black or Ice.

A further BEASTspoke variant is dedicated to the more creative customers, who can choose their own number to be added to the livery and select the color of the grips on the steering wheel.

A further customized detail is the “One of 62” plate inside the passenger compartment, which can be engraved with the MCXtrema customer’s name or any other inspiration they wish to take to the track.

Giovanni Sgro, head of Maserati Corse, said, “Revolving around this racing car synonymous with impeccable power, the highest levels of exclusivity and unprecedented quality, we have built an entire universe, dedicated to 62 of the brand’s fans and the most appealing kind of driving: between the curbs of a racetrack. MCXtrema is a sensational car, a daring vehicle that has no trepidation in doing so, made to give shape and power to an unparalleled desire. A true marvel of racing.”

Maserati has also developed MCXperience, a customer experience designed to offer a series of services reserved for the customers of the MCXtrema: an exclusive club for them to fully immerse themselves in the Maserati racing world, alongside professional drivers and the technicians at Maserati Corse Services.

MCXperience also offers the Concierge service for access to on-track experiences, as well as the MCXtrema kit, designed for drivers together with the Maserati Centro Stile for them to feel like real racers in the MCXtrema.

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Despite achieving approval from the FIA, Andretti Autosport has been denied a spot as the 11^th team in F1 by the commercial rights holders. Formula 1 management states that it feels the entry would not bring additional value to the championship.

Although the team had recently demonstrated in public the extensive work already underway on its entry, including testing of a scale model in the TMG wind tunnel in Cologne, Germany, and the securing a power unit supply from General Motors from 2028, the commercial rights holders stated: “Our assessment process has established that the presence of an 11th team would not, on its own, provide value to the Championship. The most significant way in which a new entrant would bring value is by being competitive. We do not believe that the Applicant would be a competitive participant.”

The official statement focuses on the fact that for the first years of its entry (2025 and then 2026-27) Andretti would require the use of a power unit from an existing supplier, which the four manufacturers (five come 2026 when Honda rejoins) are required by the rules to provide if necessary. Even if GM had a power unit ready sooner, this would also be dismissed.

The F1 statement said: “The Application contemplates an association with General Motors (GM) that does not initially include a PU supply, with an ambition for a full partnership with GM as a PU supplier in due course, but this will not be the case for some years. Having a GM PU supply attached to the Application at the outset would have enhanced its credibility, though a novice constructor in partnership with a new entrant PU supplier would also have a significant challenge to overcome. Most of the attempts to establish a new constructor in the last several decades have not been successful.

“2025 will be the last year of the current regulatory cycle and 2026 will be the first year of the subsequent cycle, for which an entirely different car to the previous cycle will be required. The Applicant proposes, as a novice constructor, to design and build a car under the 2025 regulations, and then in the very next year to design and build a completely different carunder the 2026 regulations.”

F1 concluded that Andretti, due to the championship being “the pinnacle of world motorsport,” would struggle to be competitive: “[This] represents a unique technical challenge to constructors of a nature that the Applicant has not faced in any other formula or discipline in which it has previously competed, and it proposes to do so with a dependency on a compulsory PU supply in the initial years of its participation. On this basis, we do not believe that the Applicant would be a competitive participant.”

F1 also effectively dismissed GM’s chances of building a competitive power unit: “Coming to the sport as a new PU manufacturer is also a huge challenge, with which major automotive manufacturers have struggled in the past, and one which can take a manufacturer a number of years of significant investment in order to become competitive. GM have the resource and credibility to be more than capable of attempting this challenge, but success is not assured.”

Where this refusal now leaves Andretti’s plans remains to be seen. However, it does appear that for now, short of buying an existing team, there is no route into the sport for the American outfit or any other team short of a full works effort from an established manufacturer.

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The FIA has confirmed that Steven Nielsen will be replaced by Tim Malyon as sporting director within the body’s single-seater department, with Nielsen having only held the position for a year. Malyon will oversee all sporting matters, including race direction and the FIA’s Remote Operations Centre (ROC) in Geneva, reporting to Nikolas Tombazis, the FIA’s single-seater director. Niels Wittich will continue as race director.

Malyon, who formerly worked at Sauber and Red Bull among other companies, took on the role of head of research within the FIA in 2019, and then safety director, while also acting as project lead on the ROC since mid-2022.

Confirming Malyon’s appointment, Tombazis said, “I am excited to welcome Tim to the role of single-seater sporting director. Tim has a wealth of motorsport experience and expertise at the highest level. He will play a major role as we continue to bring rigor to our sporting and regulatory practices and procedures, and he will drive the innovation we have brought to our Race Control operation.

“Tim has been pivotal in creating a strong synergy between Race Control and the ROC with the introduction of new technology including artificial intelligence and state-of-the-art data analysis and processing systems. He will continue to oversee advances in that area as well as taking the lead on the evolution of FIA sporting regulations.”

The FIA acknowledged that Nielsen played an integral role in the organization’s updating of race control procedures. Tombazis commented, “Steve has been a fantastic asset to the single-seater department over the course of the 2023 Formula 1 season and has been part of a crucial year of development and positive steps forward in our activities. There is, of course, still a lot to do and we will be building on these strong foundations over the coming years. We wish Steve the best for his next challenge.”

The FIA also confirmed that Tim Goss will leave his position as technical director to take up a position outside of the federation. “We are disappointed to lose a person of Tim’s caliber from the organization. Tim has played a major part in the technical department and has always operated at the highest level. We understand that his career is taking a new direction going forward and we support and respect his desire to pursue another path, and wish him luck for his future endeavors,” Tombazis concluded.

For more single-seater news, please click here.

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Nissan has released images of its Ariya Single Seater Concept, which it describes as a high-performance exploration, development and demonstration project that shows how its Ariya road car powertrain could be used in a bespoke single-seater racing car chassis.

The concept was presented at the Nissan Futures event by Alfonso Albaisa, Nissan senior vice president for global design, and Juan Manuel Hoyos, Nissan global marketing divisional general manager for brand and engagement.

“At Nissan, we dare to do what others don’t,” said Hoyos. “With this concept we want to showcase the high-performance potential of the Ariya’s powertrain in a motorsports-inspired package that not only hints at the design and styling of the road car that inspired it, but that also demonstrates a new and efficient EV performance language. Acting as a testbed for future technological evolution, this project can help bring excitement from the road to the racetrack, and also demonstrate Nissan’s expertise in transferring knowledge and technology from the racetrack to the road.”

Albaisa added, “As we began to shape our Nissan Ambition 2030 long-term vision, we continued to build on our Timeless Japanese Futurism design language. We are now drawing inspiration from the Japanese words shun, meaning to run fast and effortlessly, and sho, meaning to soar with power and grace. The Ariya Single Seater Concept is the perfect expression of this new language. Leveraging the Ariya’s EV powertrain in a motorsports-inspired package allowed our international team to capture this new sense of speed, technology and artistry.”

Nissan’s participation in Formula E also played a key role in inspiring the Nissan Ariya Single Seater Concept. “Nissan competes in Formula E not only to race on track, but also to support the development of compelling electric vehicles for customers,” explained Tommaso Volpe, Nissan global motorsports director. “Our EV programs inform our Formula E program and vice versa, allowing for road-to-track technology transfer as well as track-to-road. The Nissan Ariya Single Seater Concept explores the combination of the all-electric powertrain, dual motors and revolutionary all-wheel-drive system of the Ariya with a pure single-seat racing chassis – a powerful demonstration of just how thrilling electric vehicles could be.”

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