Automobile Division of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers announces Winners of 2019/20 Awards

The Automobile Division of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers announces the Winners of its 2019/20 Awards

Adrian Reynard Prize for Motorsport

In its inaugural year, the Adrian Reynard Prize for Motorsport is awarded to Brian O’Rourke, for his extensive and ground-breaking work in the application of composites to Formula 1 car design.

The award was presented to Brian by Adrian Reynard and Paul Jones, Chair of the Automobile Division, at a ‘virtual’ ceremony at Cranfield University.

Commenting on Brian’s achievements, Adrian Reynard said that 'Over his 37 year career with the Williams F1 team, Brian’s extensive knowledge and expertise in the application of composites to Formula 1 car design have contributed hugely to improvements in performance and driver safety. His work has benefitted not only Formula1 but many other areas of motorsport and reflects a lifetime of achievement and in this its first year, I am delighted to present this prize to him.’

Paul Jones added that ’Brian’s record of achievements over his long career and his willingness to share his expertise with others is an example to all engineers, no matter in what area of engineering they choose to practice’.

Accepting the award, Brian O’Rourke said ‘"I am thrilled to be given this award for many reasons. Particularly, it recognises my career’s contribution to exploring the boundaries of what can be done with composite materials in Formula 1 – an activity that is readily recognisable to the public – and how we have massively succeeded in improving its safety record through those decades. It is also heartening as a recognition of the efforts of someone working as part of a team, whose efforts are seldom reported on, but are crucial to the success of the team.”

Brian O’Rourke graduated as an Aeronautical Engineer and spent the first years of his career in the aerospace industry, working on the application of composites to aircraft structures. 

Brian joined Williams F1 in 1982 and pioneered the first uses of composites in racing car design resulting in the first composite F1 car, the Williams FW10. The follow-up designs, the FW11 and FW11b were both championship winning cars in 1986/7 respectively.

Following the introduction of new FIA regulations, Brian worked on developing improved structural performance and associated specifications and test methods for F1 cars, which resulted in significant improvements in driver safety. In doing so, Brian worked closely with the FIA accredited test centre, the Cranfield Impact Centre

In 2015 Brian was awarded a Lifetime Achievements award by the Composites UK Industry.

Brian retired from Williams F1 at the end of 2019. He is a Fellow of the IMechE.

Brian is a Visiting Fellow to Cranfield University, supporting the University’s work in relation to structural integrity, impact testing and the use of lightweight materials, including composites.