Students have formula for success

The University of Ulster team are ready for the track at Hockenheim

Engineering students from the University of Ulster are showing off their va-va-voom to the best in Europe.

They have just returned from Silverstone, the home of British motor racing, as part of the 2008 Formula Student competition.

It challenges students to design, build and race a Formula 1-style racing car from scratch.

The skills they learn along the way are regarded by the engineering industry as essential in their move from studying to working.

"This is a fantastic project which challenges students to work as a team and to put the skills taught in lectures into practice," said team captain Ronan Lavery.

"We also have to present the car as a business, with full cost analysis which looks very good on your CV if you are pursuing a career in motor sport.

"In addition it opens the door for other career opportunities in the engineering industry."

Engineering company Schrader Electronics is helping the university support the team.

Dr Justin Quinn of the School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering said: "The interaction and support between industry and academia is now more important than ever."

The competition has moved on to Hockenheim, the home the German F1 Grand Prix, and ends on 10 August.