Students cross finish line at Silverstone

The team, made up of undergraduate students from the School of Computing, Engineering and Mathematics, participated in the IMechE Formula Student competition at the world-renowned race circuit.

After progressing through five days of ‘scrutineering’ and testing, Brighton Racing Motors were selected to take part in the prestigious Endurance race – a first for the university.

Around 140 teams from around the world signed up to enter the race, only 81 made it to Silverstone with a completed car, and just 25 made it to the final event.

Brighton Racing Motors were ranked 18^th in the Endurance race and 57^th in the competition overall.

Dr Daniel Coren, Coordinator of Brighton Racing Motors, said the students’ efforts at Formula Student meant that the University of Brighton’s “name is now well and truly on the international map for excellence and innovation in engineering – a great example of practical wisdom”.

The Brighton Racing Motors team at Silverstone

Catherine Brown with Jenson Button

Dr Coren added: “I tip my hat to these incredible students, they have grasped the spirit of motoring and the world of science to produce an amazing new vehicle in one academic cycle.

“They have toiled relentlessly, but retained the ability to problem-solve in a cool, calm, and team-wise fashion right through to the final moments of the competition, picking up numerous accolades along the way both from competitors and the event organisers.

“This moment marks an incredible ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ achievement for our students and we should all be very proud of them – I am thoroughly impressed with them all.”

Overseen and managed by academic staff from CEM, the students’ road to the Formula Student competition has entailed a year-long process of design, manufacture and testing.

You can watch the Brighton Racing Motors car in action at Silverstone, with commentary.

The Formula Student event was also notable for the star appearance of Formula 1 world champion Jenson Button, who took the time to speak to female students as part of Santander Uni’s ‘Women in Engineering’ event.

The university’s Catherine Brown was one of these lucky students. She said: “It was absolutely amazing meeting and talking to Jenson Button. He was down to Earth and made time for everyone.”

Formula Student is Europe’s most established educational engineering competition. It aims to develop young engineers and encourage young people to take up a career in engineering.