Formula Student
After our first successful online and hybrid competitions in 2020 and 2021 respectfully, we are delighted to welcome everyone back to Silverstone for the 25th competition.
With restrictions now lifted and every garage bristling with teams once again, I will be eagerly looking forward to watching a new grid of cars. With half of those sporting electric powertrains, some for the first time, it will be exciting to see how teams have been overcoming the challenges associated with electric vehicles and their battery systems.
Similarly, I am excited by the increasing number of FS-AI teams joining this year, with more than a dozen teams using the competition as a real-world project to develop their skills in autonomous vehicle systems.
2022 also sports some new elements, most notably the mandatory inclusion of the expanded Lap Time Simulation event, which will encourage teams to develop vehicle dynamics in a virtual environment. Meanwhile, this Friday will see the finals of the inaugural FS Sim Racing Series take place, capping off what has been several months of fun, yet competitive racing for dozens of teams around the world.
At its core, the Formula Student competition continues to challenge young engineers to apply the knowledge gained through courses to a real-world engineering project. Whether in the development of the car or during the presentation and dynamic events at Silverstone, I hope you can be proud of all you have achieved and carry those key skills and experiences with you into the first years of your careers.
On behalf of the Organising Committee, we are grateful for the continued support of our event partners IPG Automotive, Babcock International, Autodesk and Bentley Motors and all our sponsors, as well as our many Media Partners and Supporters.
Special thanks are also due for the extreme dedication of our growing army of volunteers and the Institution of Mechanical Engineers for continuing to support Formula Student. Without your time, experience and commitment, the event simply would not happen.
Whether you are a competition veteran or this is the first year of many, we hope you enjoy this year’s competition, and from myself and the Organising Committee; the best of luck to all the teams taking part!
Dr. Andrew Deakin
Chair, IMechE Formula Student