While Lewis Hamilton secured his fifth British Grand Prix victory this weekend, students from the University of Hertfordshire were busy claiming their own victory at the Silverstone circuit.
The university’s Formula Student (FS) team was showcasing its entry for this year’s competition, which will take place at Silverstone later this week. In a 75m acceleration demo on the circuit’s pit straight, the team’s UH20 combustion engine car outpaced a single seater racer and a Caterham 7, clocking a time of 4.1 seconds. The team is hoping to go even faster in the competition proper, which runs from 20-23 July.
“This was a huge opportunity for Formula Student,” said Lucy Killington, the Formula Student project leader.
“The Formula One paddock is full of FS alumni, so it is great to be able to show the public what the students are capable of and how FS inspires the next generation of professional engineers. Thanks to our Patron, Ross Brawn, and Formula One Group for supporting the demo as part of the qualifying day proceedings.”
Now in its 20th year, FS is seen as a key stepping stone for young engineers who want to pursue careers in motorsport. The 2017 edition will see more than 2,000 students from 24 countries take part. Electric vehicles have become more prominent in recent years, with 16 EVs competing in this year’s Class 1 category, alongside 73 combustion engine vehicles. Cars are judged on their speed, acceleration, handling and endurance in a series of time-trial races, while the teams are tested on their design, costing and business presentation skills.