Litestructures in the driving seat with M-Sport

M-Sport, the organisation chosen by the Ford Motor Company to mastermind the assault on the World Rally Championship, recently commissioned Litestructures (Prolyte Group’s brand team dedicated to custom projects) to design and manufacture a modular touring infrastructure centre.

The Litestructures team fully designed, built and kitted out the structure, which includes a full size, fully fitted catering kitchen, toilets, air-conditioning and an integrated AV system. The structure had to be portable to allow transportation between events, but equally, as a key part of the company’s branding, it had to be unique and have outstanding visual impact. A clear requisite was that every area had a solid quality, giving an almost permanent feel, whilst the deployment should be restricted to 3 days for a crew of no more than 8 operatives.

When fully assembled, the structure measures sixteen metres in length on two storeys, comprising six demountable pods consisting of steel unitary frames clad in glass-fibre reinforced plastic (GRP), offering an ideal surface for Ford’s branding. Naturally, the interior had to match the aesthetic appeal of the exterior and so the finishes are high gloss white composite and natural stainless steel, giving a sleek technical finish, contrasting with a dark composite floor throughout. Lengths of Prolyte S36R truss support the upper floor and a complete custom staircase, including handrails, with a wood finish to the treads, links the two levels. Another unique aspect is the integration of all lighting and AV transmissions within integrated truss rails, leading to an environment that is effectively cable free.

The ground floor has been designed to host catered receptions for up to 100 guests; while the upper floor includes a VIP area, two meeting rooms, a physiotherapy room, an engineering pod with management office, as well as a specific sponsor oriented suite.

Neil Robinson, M-Sport project manager on the new service park HQ, had the following comment:

“Drawing upon the innovative vision that is a key part of the operations of M-Sport and Ford WRT, we were determined to move forward the concept of the Rally HQ – We wanted to create an environment that actively promotes the comfort and performance for employees, sponsors and guests. When Litestructures presented their unique concept in late 2010, we realised that together we could create the optimum solution in terms of both deployed and logistical operation.

Through an intensive development period, I feel we have learnt the lessons together, culminating in a fantastic facility that genuinely ‘raises the bar’ in the competitive world of WRC.”

The structure was delivered in early July, in readiness for the Neste Oil Rally Finland. It will continue to provide a home from home for the Ford World Rally Team throughout Europe in 2011 and beyond.