Kiwi car makes UK track debut

Rodin Cars has teamed up with Kiwi driver Liam Lawson to debut its FZED single-seater in the UK with a number of demonstration laps at Donington Park.

The New Zealand-based track car company has established a new facility at the venue and was keen to show off its creation.

David Dicker, Rodin’s founder and chief executive officer, says: “Having Liam Lawson demonstrate the Rodin FZED at Donington Park is an important milestone for the car and for Rodin Cars.

“Our main manufacturing headquarters is established in New Zealand but we have always intended to establish a presence in the UK and Europe, and these first laps have completed that goal with a great outcome.” 

The Rodin FZED weighs just 609kg and is powered by a 3.8-litre Cosworth GPV8 engine that produces 503kW at 9600rpm and 490Nm at 7600rpm.

It has been developed by the Rodin team at Mt Lyford in the South Island over a number of years and is considered to be among the fastest open-wheel race cars in the world. It can clock 0-160kph in five seconds and has a top speed of 300kph.

Lawson, who currently competes in the Formula 2 championship, says: “I loved opening up the Rodin FZED around a bigger track. I’d tested the Rodin FZED at Rodin Cars’ test track in New Zealand but I’d forgotten how fast it is.

“But straight away I felt comfortable and realised how manageable the car is to drive close to the limit. I didn’t want to stop and nearly did more laps than I was allowed.”

Lawson’s team, Hitech GP, is due to announce details of a partnership with Rodin Cars after the 2021 British Grand Prix on July 18.