Formula Student asks: what is the World Motorsport Symposium?

It's a question many students often ask us: "what is the World Motorsport Symposium?" Formula Student attended the symposium for the first time to investigate.

This world-class motorsport symposium is chaired by Audi Sport's Ulrich Baretzky and Caterham F1's John Iley and attended by the 'who’s who' in motorsport engineering. The truth is that this opportunity was a combination of interactive open debate, networking and idea sharing across engineering, motorsport and the impact on automotive industry too. It is an event like no other where undergraduates can debate with successful experienced engineers on a variety of topics. So whether you are interested in a career in motorsport or you are just interested in contributing to the debate, this is the event for you. 

The format of the two-day event combines presentations, panel sessions and open discussion; and they need you. The cabinet members representing the FIA, Formula 1 teams, OEMS, motorsport promoters and SMEs need student input to influence the decisions that are made for the sport in the future. After all, you are likely to become the custodians of those decisions when you graduate, so why not be involved in the inception of these new ideas?

The most unique thing about the event is that you are encouraged to speak freely in the comfort that this group is interested in your thoughts and ideas.  For instance, last year there was a lot of discussion about the negative effect that double points would have at the final F1 race in Abu Dhabi. It was clear that the majority of people in the room – engineers, students and fans, thought it was not the best idea. With a speaker panel made up of the FIA, Williams F1 and Sauber, the powers that be listened and took note. We now know that double points have been scrapped for the 2015 season, showing just how influential an open forum like this can be on making change happen.

What’s more, if you’re passionate about working in motorsport, the Symposium isn’t just a day of discussion. It’s a chance to meet all the companies involved, whether they are a flagship name like Caterham F1 or one that contributes to the intricacies to engine management like Cosworth.

Whether you want a job at Audi Sport or a chance to tell the FIA what you really think, we really do recommend coming to the Symposium and being as confident, vocal and forthright as possible.