Formula Student, the formula competition for university teams, is gearing up for its 25th year at Silverstone in July, with an impressive roster of more then 130 registered teams. Among the participants, former winners Cardiff University, Sheffield University, University if Modena in Italy, and University of Glasgow will be vying for their second victory, attracting considerable attention.
Alongside these formidable contenders, over 100 other teams from various countries including Germany, Sweden, Turkey, Serbia, and Italy, are set to showcase their skills and vehicles, with many returning to the competition once more. Formula Student tasks these teams with designing and producing a functional prototype of a single-seater race car, providing valuable hands-on experience and nurturing well-rounded engineers. The competition evaluates their engineering knowledge through formal presentations that illuminate the decision-making processes behind their car designs during the finals event held at Silverstone.
Subsequently, the teams’ vehicles will be put to the test in dynamic events situated along the National Pit Straight and Copse Corner of the iconic Silverstone circuit. These events are designed to evaluate vehicle reliability and performance in critical areas such as acceleration, braking, and handling.
In a significant first for the competition, the 2023 edition will witness a larger number of entrants building electric vehicles compared to any other engine type. This shift reflects the increasing importance for students to gain hands-on experience in this technology before entering the industry where its prevalence will only grow. Additionally, the year’s competition features entrants showcasing hybrid powertrains and alternative fuels, providing an ideal platform for young engineers to develop their skills in non-traditional and forward-thinking vehicle development.
Since its inception in 2019, the FS-AI competition has experienced continued growth, with 20 teams embracing the challenge of autonomous vehicle development this year. This diverse list of participants includes students from Portugal, Ireland, Spain, India, France, Egypt, as well as new and returning entries from the UK.
In addition to the main competition, the organisers are running a full Sim Racing series, building on the success of last year’s inaugural series. The previous winner, Michael Preston from Southampton University Formula Student Team, went on to receive the Autosport Williams Engineer of the Future Award in 2022. Formula Student and FSAE teams from around the world will participate in monthly races using the Assetto Corsa simulation software, providing an opportunity for friendly yet competitive racing. These races will be live-streamed on the Formula Student YouTube channel and culminate in a final series of races alongside the multi-day event at Silverstone.
Looking ahead, Naomi Rolfe, Project Manager of the Formula Student competition, expressed her enthusiasm for the upcoming event. She commended the students’ enduring excitement for Formula Student and their ability to transform designs into functional vehicles, assuring that the future of engineering is in capable hands. Rolfe also expressed anticipation for the performance of the FS-AI teams, as they leverage their expertise and accumulated tolls from previous years. Furthermore, she looked forward to observing the teams entering an electric vehicle for the first time and how they adapt to this new technology.
With the summer event fast approaching, Formula Student eagerly awaits the arrival of all teams at Silverstone and extends its best wishes to each participating group.
