The Countdown to Argentina

Continuing to load the containers, in the 30 degree heat of Portugal, was hard work for all the teams and the other personnel who were involved. The container ship left the port of Sines on 5th July and is due to arrive in Argentina on the 20th July.

DHL checking the containers on the train.

The short journey to the port was completed by train due to strike action in Portugal. This logistical headache was solved by DHL and Weitracon who are handling all of the freight solutions which the WTCC continues to demand. The decision to squeeze a race into the WTCC calendar has put so much extra financial demand on all of the teams and it also means that the cars and equipment will need to be sent by air and not sea freight, for it all to arrive in time for the race at Sonoma, USA.

Unfortunately for the STR team, they will miss the race in Argentina due to yet more damage to Tom Boardmans car. This has forced them to return to the UK for repairs and as I write this, they have successfully completed this. They will now send their car and equipment by sea freight and this will be taken to the container port of Antwerp next week.

                                                                                                 photo:T Boardman

Roal loading in Portugal.

Zengo in Portugal

Bamboo container is ready to be closed.

                                                                                                        photo:weitracon

                                                                                                                                                                                               photo:zengo

Things to do after Porto.

STR and All Inkl trucks on monday morning.

How do the teams get all of their cars and equipment to the next race in Argentina? As I walked around the paddock on the monday, after the race, many of the teams were scratching their heads and wandering what to do first. Some of the cars were having extensive bodywork repairs before they are ready to be shipped. And trucks were in the pitlane being loaded with boxes and crates before they are driven the short distance to a large loading area near the airport in Porto. This massive logistical task is once again being expertly managed by Wietracon and DHL. A mixture of containers are being transported to the ships by road and railway and even aircraft are being used to ensure that everything will be ready for us when we get to Argentina.

Truck being loaded before it drives towards the airport

Unfortunately, the tarmac in the paddock area was not suitable for using heavy cranes to take the containers off the trucks and put them on the ground. This would have been so much easier for the teams but they do not want to risk damaging the tarmac. I am no expert on this subject but myself and other team members were convinced that loading in the paddock area was possible. But this is what we have to deal with so we cannot change the situation.

Some bodywork needs repairing!

Our loading has now been completed and we are on our way back home. I will keep you updated on the logistics when it is all completed and I have been sent some more information and pictures