Endurance after dark

In addition to the first Formula Student Electric (FSE) there will be another world premiere at the Hockenheimring this August, the first ever Endurance race at night. With the introduction of FSE an additional 18 teams will be competing at the Hockenheimring during this year’s fifth Formula Student Germany.

Picture: Formula Student Germany 2010 (VDI).

“This brings the total of cars to 96 and poses new challenges on the logistics of the event, not in the last place its time schedule. One day is hardly enough to let 78 cars complete the Endurance, a 22 km race to test the stamina of both driver and vehicle”, says Tim Hannig, Chairman of the Formula Student Germany (FSG) and president of the FSG e.V.
Therefore the FSG Executive Committee has decided to hold the first FSE Endurance on Saturday evening, August 7th. Of course good lighting conditions are essential to a car race. Hence, the track will be lit by brightly shining helium balloons, making this the highlight of Formula Student Germany in the most literal sense.
Student teams from all over the world come to the Formula Student Germany which takes place from august 4th to august 8th. The competition aims to actively support young engineers in order to counteract the shortage of engineers in the long run. Securing the future by supporting young talent is the motto. The demands on the students are very high: They have to plan and construct a formula race car all on their own. This way they gain practical experience and improve the skills they need to successfully enter the job market after their studies.
This year they will also participate in a new competition with electric racing cars. At the worldwide first Formula Student Electric the young engineers take up the chal-lenge of planning and constructing a formula-style racing car with a pure electric drive. “The FSE competition represents a trendsetting project, especially against the background of rising gas prices”, continues Hannig. “Today’s young engineers are our innovators of the future, creating a more sustainable mobility.”
The concept is convincing, not only for the students but also for the automotive industry. Today, companies such as Audi, BMW, Bosch, Brunel, Continental, Daimler, Dekra, Henkel, IAV GmbH, Mahle, Solid Works, Tognum as well as VW and ZF support Formula Student Germany. The contest is presented by the Association of German Engineers (VDI).