Formula Student began in 1981, with an event organised by the Society of Automotive Engineers. It is a learning exercise for students to conceive, design, build, market and race a single seat racing car. It is the biggest event of its kind, and run by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.
Student teams from around the world are challenged to work as a team and apply the skills they have learned at university to a real life engineering project, building up to a four day event at the famous Silverstone racing circuit, where the designs are put to the test.
The cars are limited to a 610cc engine size with a 20mm air restriction, but still manage very high performance, with acceleration and braking figures often being akin to those of supercars.
The competition is split into three categories:
Class 1: Design, build and compete
Class 2: Design and partial build
Further information on Formula Student can be found on the official website.
