The Irish Computer Society is delighted to announce former F1 team owner and BBC TV pundit, Eddie Jordan and CEO of Abu Dhabi Yas Marina circuit, Richard Cregan as the new patrons for the F1 in Schools™ Technology Challenge, powered in Ireland by the Irish Computer Society and supported by Discover Science and Engineering.

Eddie Jordan, who grew up in Bray, County Wicklow, brings a wealth of F1 experience, having been founder and team owner of Jordan Grand Prix. Jordan said of being invited to become a patron of F1 in Schools by the Irish Computer Society, “I am delighted to be a Patron of F1 in Schools in Ireland - the scheme gives many youngsters the opportunity to get a feel and appreciate the engineering complexities of top level motorsport.  This is vital to encourage young potential engineers into the world of motorsport.  It gives them the experience of working in a team in a competitive environment where all aspects of the business are considered - budgeting, engineering, marketing and sponsorship.  F1 is an extremely competitive business to get into and this scheme can provide the opening for many budding engineers and designers - all for the benefit of the sport and industry.”

Richard Cregan, from Kildare, began his career working with Aer Lingus, before moving to Toyota where he enjoyed an illustrious career spanning rallying and Formula One. Cregan now heads up the newly-built and much acclaimed Yas Marina circuit in Abu Dhabi. He commented on his patronage, ““I was delighted to be invited to be a patron of F1 in Schools in Ireland and had no hesitation in giving my support to this very worthwhile initiative. I am sure that if I had been given the opportunity to take part in this type of competition when I was at school in Ireland I would certainly have enjoyed the challenge. It is a great way to inspire students and open their eyes to the host of opportunities in motorsport for a career. There are so many facets of the F1 in Schools programme which are relevant to the real world and using the popularity of Formula One to engage students in engineering and other key subjects is excellent.

Jim Friars, CEO of the Irish Computer Society said, “The patronage of two high profile F1 personalities for the F1 in Schools competition is a great start to 2010. We had a successful year in 2009, with team Koni Kats from St. David’s Secondary School in Greystones winning the World Championship title in London.  The programme gains enormous benefits from the support and assistance of industry achievers and both Jordan and Cregan demonstrate the success that can be achieved through hard work, ambition and passion. I am sure that both of these industry stars will help F1 in Schools go from strength to strength in Ireland. 2010 will be a very exciting year for us.

The F1 in Schools global initiative takes place in over 30 countries, with more than 15 million students aware of the programme. In Ireland, over one hundred teams from around the country are putting the final touches to their designs for the 2010 regional finals which begin in March. Current national champions Team Blink from St. Ailbes in Tiperrary, will represent Ireland at the World Championships in Singapore in September.. For further information visit www.F1inSchools.ie.

Photos:
Eddie Jordan, BBC F1 pundit
Richard Cregan, CEO, Yas Marina Circuit Abu Dhabi

For further information contact:

Leona Gregory | Marketing Executive | Irish Computer Society
T 01 7753006 | M 0863287234 | E leona@ics.ie

Gillian Harty | F1 in Schools | Project Manager | Irish Computer Society
T 087 228 2950 | E gillian@ics.ie