A team of engineering students at the University of Warwick are just weeks away from completing development of a ‘formula student’ racing car.

Warwick Racing, which consists of 12 final year engineering students, had been tasked with designing, manufacturing and testing a single seater WR1 racing car which they will enter into the annual Formula Student Competition at Silverstone in July.

A large proportion of the car has actually been manufactured by the team of students who have gained new skills in welding and CNC machining.

The team, which is made up of a mixture of mechanical, manufacturing, automotive and electronic engineering students, are aiming for a top 5 finish at the Formula Student Competition, which will test the W10 car with a number of static and dynamic events to test its speed, brakes and aerodynamics.

As part of the competition the students will also have to give cost and business presentations to the panel of judges.

Last year the Warwick Racing team came 7th overall in the UK and 22nd overall at the international contest which attracted 100 teams from 30 countries.

Project leader James Haythorntwaite said: "This year we are extremely keen to break into the top five in the UK and believe our WR1 car has all the qualities to do so.

“We have tried to make the car weigh less than 180kg this year which has been a challenge but by changing the wheels, tyres and suspensions we are close to doing that.”

Dr Steve Maggs, from WMG, who has been guiding the team through the design and manufacturing process is pleased with the final car design.

He said: “The Warwick Racing team has worked really hard this year and fully deserve to make it into the top five in the country and top 15 in the world.

"The whole process of building the car has been challenging for them but they have acquired skills along the way which are going to be invaluable to them in their future careers."

Anyone interested in sponsoring the Warwick Racing team should email Sophie Dipple on s.dipple@warwick.ac.uk.

Note to Editors

For more information, please contact Luke Hamer, Assistant Press Officer, University of Warwick on 02476 575 601 or 07824 541142, or alternatively email L.Hamer@warwick.ac.uk.