Events
Firstly thank you to all teams who have already updated us on their circumstances due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We understand that many of you will still be in the process of understanding how this will affect you. Please do continue to update us so as and when you can.
This is an unprecedented and challenging new landscape for us all to negotiate but we want to reassure you that we are working hard to make decisions and communicate these to you in a timely fashion whilst being mindful that sometimes delayed communications are better than misinformation.
We are still four months from the Silverstone event so at this time, the IMechE remains committed to supporting FS. However, we feel that it is prudent to prepare for it to take on a different format due largely to the fact that there is vast uncertainty around how far you will all be able to progress with your projects.
The Formula Student Organising Committee met earlier this week to discuss the key challenges surrounding our competition, what immediate steps we can take and how we can adapt the competition format to honour the work you have completed (and may still be able to proceed with) in the best possible way. Firstly we would like to confirm the following immediate actions:
FS Class
Document submission deadlines for ESFs and IAD Reports will be relaxed on a case by case basis, for example incomplete documents will be accepted with missing test data where it is not possible for you to complete a physical test (help us with this by continuing to communicate with us about university closures) – note that penalty points may still appear on your document submission table but we will amend them retrospectively as agreed with you.
Deadline for transfer to Concept Class will be extended to Friday 1 May
FS-AI
Document submission deadlines for ESFs, ASFs and IAD Reports will be relaxed on a case by case basis, for example incomplete documents will be accepted with missing details if access to required equipment is not possible (help us with this by continuing to communicate with us about university closures) – note that penalty points may still appear on your document submission table but we will amend them retrospectively as agreed with you.
Deadline for transfer from ADS to DDT will be extended to Friday 1 May
Secondly, we would like to get your feedback on the following concept proposals for the 2020 event format:
- All teams to compete in Concept Class and, if possible, teams may use a 2020 rules compliant vehicle for demonstration dynamic events
- Allow FS Class teams to compete with their 2020 vehicle but where teams are not able to finish their 2020 vehicle, allow them to present their 2020 designs whilst competing in dynamic events with last year’s vehicle. This may require a separate class to be created
- Allow FS-AI ADS Class teams to present their 2020 vehicle (designs only or as much of a physical vehicle as they have completed) whilst competing in the dynamics events using the ADS-DV platform
- Enable teams competing in any class, who are unable to travel, to compete in static events via video link and/or virtual reality tools (please advise your preferred video conferencing platform(s) e.g. Webex, MS Teams, Skype, Zoom)
We would welcome your feedback on these ideas plus any alternative suggestions you may have: please email fs@Imeche.org
We expect to make further announcements as things develop and following your feedback during this consultation period and hope to be in a strong position to confirm the 2020 competition format after Easter.
Regards,
Lucy