From July 30th to August 4th, an annual German F1 race was held in Hockenheim with participants of 115 teams and more than 2,000 competitors from 24 countries including some strong rivals University of Stuttgart, Chalmers University of Technology in Goteborg, Sweden, Technical University of Munich and etc. HUAT team, representing China, the champion of 2012 F1 race in China, and another two teams, Qinghua university and Harbin university of technology from China participated in the race. Tongji University sent a group as spectators.
Formula student car race started in 1981 and was held in 9 countries around the world. Germany, with the most teams, participants and most champions, is thought of as representation of highest level of the tournament. HUAT team, sponsored by Automobile Engineering Institution of China, some Chinese enterprises like Dongfeng Commercial Vehicle Company and Dongfeng Yulong Vehicle Company, consists of 16 students and 2 coaches and they set up a new milestone for Chinese teams in the racing track in Germany.
Car testing is the first step each team has to undertake to go through the race and achieve good results. It took two days for HUAT’s car to go through the test, during which 9 items were adjusted. In order to pass the test, all the team member worked day and night on the regulations and had their car going through the demanding test smoothly and successfully.
During the days of competition, the 4 teams from China acted as one union and helped one another to achieve their best. With the score 290.75 and rank 48, HUAT’s car completed all the racing items and was the best among the four Chinese teams. Though they didn’t rank the top of all the teams, their skillful performance won approval and applause now and then from the audience and the head of judge.
Also presented during the course were members and leaders of China F1 Committee and Dongfeng Commercial Vehicle Company, who cheered for them and encouraged them to win glory next time.
