Top UK aero firm assists ZB Commodore development 

Leading aerodynamics consultancy firm Wirth Research has assisted Triple Eight in the development of the new Holden ZB Commodore Supercar.

Factory Holden squad Triple Eight recruited the UK firm to collaborate on the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) development of the all-new Commodore, and provide computing power not available in Australia.

Wirth Research has been working alongside Triple Eight since January 2017 to help deliver the ZB Commodore which will make its race debut this season.

CFD is now used in all forms of world-class motorsport development but has never before been applied to this level in the Virgin Australia Supercars Championship.

The firm, led by Nick Wirth, has helped teams at the highest level of the sport including Formula 1 (Virgin Racing and Simtek), WEC, Formula E, World Rallycross and touring cars.

Triple Eight boss Roland Dane says Wirth Research’s influence on the ZB Commodore development has been invaluable.

“Our relationship with Wirth Research has proved to be an invaluable aspect of the all-new Commodore development and has brought us industry-leading levels of expertise,” said Dane.

“With unrivalled experience across multiple motorsport categories, as well as world-class facilities, Nick and his team have been a natural fit for Triple Eight.

“Geographical factors, such as the time difference between Brisbane and the UK, haven’t been an issue at all and Wirth Research’s support has gone above and beyond expectations.

“We’ve built a strong relationship with all involved and we look forward to continuing our work with Wirth this year and hopefully into the future.”

Meanwhile, Wirth admits he is proud to see CFD technology applied in the Supercars for the first time.

“We’re very proud of our collaboration with Roland and the Triple Eight team,” said Wirth.

“The application of our advanced CFD design capabilities is a first for the Virgin Australia Supercars Championship and we’re excited with the results for the next-gen Commodore Supercar.

“We very much look forward to building on the strong, collaborative relationship we have established with Triple Eight in the future.”

Work continues to fine tune the all-new ZB Commodores ahead of next month’s Adelaide 500 season opener after teams encountered issues with the flexing of splitters, which has triggered modifications to be made to the component.