University's Formula Student racing team wins in acceleration demo

Students from the University of Hertfordshire showcased their 20th combustion engine Formula Student (FS) car, UH20, to thousands of people attending the Formula One British Grand Prix at Silverstone last weekend.

The students took part in a 75m acceleration demo, pitching UH20 against a Silverstone single seater and a Caterham 7, on the International Pit Straight. UH20 beat the competition comfortably, achieving a time of 4.1 seconds. They will hope to go even faster when Formula Student kicks off on 20th July.

Lucy Killington, Formula Student Project Leader, said: “This was a huge opportunity for Formula Student. The Formula One paddock is full of FS alumni, so it is great to be able to show the public what the students are capable of and how FS inspires the next generation of professional engineers. Thanks to our Patron, Ross Brawn, and Formula One Group for supporting the demo as part of the Qualifying day proceedings.”

Formula Student 2017 – which is celebrating its 20th competition - will see more than 2,000 students from 24 countries pack out the Silverstone paddocks on 20-23 July. The main Class 1 competition will see 16 electric vehicles and 73 cars with combustion engines.

The cars are judged on their speed, acceleration, handling and endurance in a series of time-trial races, while the teams are tested on their design, costing and business presentation skills.