Southampton racers clinch runner-up spot for returning cars at Formula Student UK
Southampton University Formula Student Team (SUFST) outshone dozens of rivals to secure fifth place in the overall standings at the 2021 Formula Student UK competition.
The student engineering team finished second in the 2nd Year Vehicle (2YV) class. The team came third in a separate Engineering Design Event in the Concept Class Competition with an ambitious proposal for an all-electric racer.
Formula Student sees teams across the globe design, build and run single seater cars, with events designed to test their vehicle and their engineering knowledge in formal presentations.
This summer’s competition at Silverstone represents SUSFT’s best finishing position at a full Formula Student UK (FSUK) event, following an impressive fourth place finish in a virtual competition held in 2020.
Balraj Basra, SUFST Team Leader, says: “The success of the team is a testament to the character of all members and those who support this project. SUFST would like to thank everyone across the University and our generous sponsors who have made this incredible success possible, especially in such a unique set of circumstances faced this year. Now a new challenge begins as the transition to electric vehicles commences.”
Balraj is joining the Williams Racing Formula One team as a Vehicle Performance Engineer on completing his MEng Aeronautics and Astronautics degree at Southampton this summer.
SUFST draws together students from all years of study, and a range of backgrounds including aerodynamics, computer science, electronics, mechanical and design. To date, the team has built a total of six cars.
FSUK 2021 was held behind doors between Wednesday 21st and Sunday 25th July. Owing to difficulties accessing workshops, the rules were amended to enable vehicles from one and two years of development to compete this year. SUFST choose to re-enter its 2019 model into the 2YV class, while also working on the electric vehicle concept.
On Thursday, the Team presented in static events, showcasing the design of the vehicle and the cost for manufacture. Overall, SUFST placed fifth in all static events. The student engineers worked through scrutineering checks to a tight schedule on Friday and Saturday, before becoming one of just 15 teams to complete a single lap sprint event.
“Completing the sprint event ensured entry to the final 27 lap Endurance event, including driver swap and restart at half distance,” Balraj explains. “Overcoming an early setback, the car was out on track in the afternoon, and for the first time in our history completed the FSUK Endurance event.”
You can find out more about Southampton University Formula Student Team at www.sufst.co.uk and follow its updates on Twitter at @SUFST.
