Formula Student 2013 revving up

The Institution of Mechanical Engineers has announced the preliminary line-up for Formula Student 2013, with more teams than ever taking part. Of the 149 teams selected, 54 are from UK universities; and with 11 teams, there are more from India than ever. Also notable is the first ever team from Oman — plus there are teams from as far afield as Australia, Nigeria, Ukraine, Pakistan and Turkey.

Jon Hilton, chairman of Formula Student, said: “The event is in its 15th year, and in 2013 it is set to be bigger and better than ever. Apart from the excitement of building a single-seat racing car, the popularity of Formula Student is also thanks to the fact that it’s the perfect testing ground for developing skills that are crucial to a successful career in industry. Previous participants have gone on to have successful careers not just in motor-sport and automotive engineering, but in all aspects of industry.

“The event attracts some of the most inventive and talented young engineers from around the world, and I’m looking forward to seeing all the advances there will be in this year’s cars.”

Taking place at Silverstone 4-7 July, Formula Student is the world’s largest student motor-sport event. Run by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, it challenges student engineers to design, build and race a single seat racing car — in one year.

The cars are then 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.