Heriot-Watt students revved up for Silverstone success with prototype F1 car

Students from Heriot-Watt University unveiled their bespoke F1-style racing car at a special event on Friday 6 July as they prepare to take part in the international Formula Student competition at Silverstone from 11 - 15 July.

The team of over 20 students have designed, built and tested a car which will take part in the annual competition, which is open to engineering students from around the world. This is the third year that Heriot-Watt University students have competed in the competition and are hoping to build on last year's success, when they were placed 53 overall out of over 130 national and international teams.

The Formula Student competition challenges university students from a range of academic disciplines to design and build a single seat race car. Cars are then tested at Silverstone, in Northamptonshire, with judges looking for acceleration, braking, handling, reliability and maintainability. Students also have to produce a business plan, outlining how they would manufacture hundreds of cars each year, should they attract investment.

Ian Black, lecturer in mechanical engineering and team liaison officer at Heriot-Watt University commented: "Formula Student is a huge event that requires a lot of commitment from our students. The team has to design a new car, with a new chassis. We work with partner organisations to source parts, advice and any additional expertise we require to build the best car possible.

"Taking the car to Silverstone to be tested is obviously exciting and it's a great opportunity for students to showcase their skills and network with potential employers. We're geared up for a win this year."

Student Formula is run by the Institute of Mechanical Engineers and aims to inspire and develop young engineers, as well as introduce them to leading industry figures.