Formula Student Winner Profile 2

'It's a once in a lifetime opportunity to make a very fast car, and the way you do it is entirely up to you'

Students at the University of Bath are celebrating after retaining their crown as top UK team at this year’s event. The dedicated group of 12 were also delighted to improve two places on their overall 2007 ranking.

Team leader, Ian Siddy, 23, who is studying mechanical engineering at the university, says: “We are all absolutely chuffed to bits. Entering this event has really whetted my appetite for motorsport and engineering in general. It is an amazing career and I would recommend it to anyone.”

The team began on the design of the car last October and set about building the chassis in December. Team member, Harry Cheung, says: “One of the best skills to take away from the experience was working as a team. Everyone developed as the car came along, and winning was only possible using everyone’s skills as a whole.”

Siddy adds: “As team leader, it’s exposed me to a lot of non-engineering skills, such as the ability to be flexible in management terms and motivate the team.

“FS is a once in a lifetime opportunity to make a very fast car – and the way you do it is entirely up to you. I don’t know any projects like it, where you get to start with a completely blank canvas.”