A panel of industry experts, including Pat Symonds – F1 Chief Technical Officer, Ulrich Baretzky – Former Director, Audi Motorsport Engine Development, Audi AG, and John Iley – Former Technical Director for the Caterham F1 team were looking for remarkable innovation and game-changing technologies as well as ground-breaking motorsport technology that enables a positive impact on the environment.

David Clegg, principal motorsport brake engineer at Alcon comments, “Introducing an innovative yet simple solution to a long-standing challenge, within a well-established technological field, is hugely rewarding. To then be recognised by industry experts for this achievement is truly phenomenal!”

“With competitive motorsport usually cloaked in secrecy, it’s refreshing to shine a light on innovation and Alcon’s SMART insert solution impressed the judging panel,” said Soheila Kimberley, Kimberley Media Group’s Publishing Director. “Developing breakthrough technology is one thing, but being able to bring it into production is another matter entirely. To address both challenges was a fine achievement.”

Branded SMART for Spherically Mounted ARTiculating inserts, the solution addresses brake pedal feel degradation from uneven or taper-worn brake pads.

Taper-worn pads introduce an angular gap between the pad and the caliper piston as the contact relationship is no longer parallel. A brake caliper with taper-worn pads will use more brake fluid in closing this angular gap when the brakes are applied and therefore present a longer brake pedal travel to the driver.