DHL named Official Logistics partner of Formula 1

"Not a single wheel could turn in Formula One without logistics. No cars, engines or fuel would ever reach the race venues around the world. The drivers would not even have a driving suit in which to tear around the circuit," said Nour Suliman CEO of DHL Express Middle East and North Africa.

And everything has to be done at top speed, because the previous race took place just one week earlier in Shanghai. Over 30 tonnes of cargo per racing team has had to be quickly dispatched on the 6,833 km journey from Shanghai to Bahrain, so that it would arrive in time for construction of the teams' pits. During the course of the year, a team's racing cars will be transported over 160,000 kilometres between the 19 Grand Prix venues.

But DHL's duties don't finish at the paddock entrance. Formula 1 is constantly living life in the fast lane. Nothing is more crucial than the battle for thousandths of a second. Even while the race weekend is on, the engineers are busy working on improvements. If a part fails, then work immediately starts on a newer, more robust version at the factory. But whether new or improved - the part must arrive on time at the track. Otherwise, this could cost a team valuable championship points or even the top podium spot.

"DHL is extremely well equipped for this race against time, a point that is reinforced by its backing of the DHL Fastest Lap Award. There are countless reasons why last minute deliveries become necessary, but the aim is always the same - to get to the track on time," added Suliman.

DHL has an 'Extra Services Team' standing by to meet the special requirements of teams, organizers and sponsors. Deliveries to and from the track can be made within 24 hours by express flights. An on-board courier accompanies any urgent package throughout the journey, expedites clearance through customs and can even take it by helicopter directly to the paddock.

Great connections throughout the world are one of DHL's major selling points. The global DHL network leverages all modes of transport and can call on planes, helicopters, trucks and even boats at short notice to support urgent shipping requirements across all the world's continents.

At the same time, the company's experienced specialists on the ground are able to ensure that the transport of a new part is not delayed unnecessarily by local conditions and regulations.

The DHL logistics experts draw on expertise and experience built up over 25 years in motorsport. Good logistics in Formula 1 means good advance planning.

The DHL experts therefore draw up a long list of transport and customs rules before the start of every season. For example, it has to be remembered that no timber may be imported into Australia, China or Malaysia.

Overseas transport of cars, engines, motor fuel, in fact all the equipment; the organizational aspects, last minute deliveries and maintenance of the utmost secrecy: everything in Formula 1 relies on effective logistics.

Even the 28,600 tyres used in a single season have somehow to be delivered to the various tracks. DHL, the Official Logistics partner of Formula 1 is up to the challenge.