Hiriko

“HIRIKO TEAM”, on its way to winning the 2011 World Cup for vehicles driven by alternative energies

Pilots Jesus Echave and Juan Delgado (HIRIKO TEAM) are to participate in the various World Cup 2011 series trials for vehicles powered by alternative energies that begins on 31st March in the Monte Carlo Rally. Aboard a Prius hybrid car, these Basques will try to win the championship in Class VII FIA Hybrids in which French pilot Raymond Durand, twice-over world champion and current sub-champion Bella di Vicenzo are also participating. This is explained by Juan Delgado, the HIRIKO TEAM spokesman:

JMDelgado_HirikoTeam2011

Last season Echave and Delgado got the third absolute place (Category VII Hybrids) on board a brand new Prius labeled with the logos of “HIRIKO” the electric car that is being developed in the Alava Technological Park, the first prototypes of which are to circulate in the summer.

After the traditional trial in Monaco, the fifth “ecoedition” of which is this year, the “HIRIKO TEAM” will participate in the races of the Belgian “Clean Week”, in “Aria Nuova” in Italy, in the Basque and Navarran Eco Rally, in the Reykjavik Rally in Iceland, in the Ecomobility Rally in Greece, in the Ecotarga in Palermo, and in the Eco Rally in San Marino.

“There are ten trials,” says Juan Delgado, HIRIKO TEAM copilot, “and we do not know if we will be able to go to them all: there is one in Suzuka, Japan, specializing in solar and another similar trial in Italy. Last year we did not go to all the trials because of scheduling problems but we got an honorable podium position, along with several victories in the category of consumption“.

Delgado point out “the importance acquired by this type of trials. Especially among young people. In these rallies you often need to use your head to get a good average, low consumption and a smart drive line with new forms of displacement that will come with electric cars“.

“2011 will be important for us: the first units of the Hiriko car will be unveiled, the project will become a reality in 2012 with the beginning of commercial production of these new electric cars and with the development of new forms of transport in cities. And all of this coincides with Vitoria being designated Green Capital!” says Juan Delgado.