Students from Staffordshire University have beaten racing teams from around the world to claim second place in Formula Student 2023
Staffordshire University was the top UK team in Formula Student 2023 (image credit: IMechE/Formula Student)
Staffordshire University is now the best UK team which is a huge achievement. I can't believe we've got it and I can't express how proud I am of the team for how well we've done!
The annual tournament challenges students to design, build, test, and race a small-scale formula style racing car. The Staffordshire University racing team secured sponsorship from several local businesses including Alton Towers, KMF and Rednal Carting to help fund their 250kg racing car.
Over five days, more than 140 teams competed in trials at the famous Silverstone Circuit and winners were revealed this weekend.
Staffordshire University was the best performing UK team after finishing second overall to an Italian team from the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia.
BEng (Hons) Automotive and Motorsport Engineering student Joseph Grimer led the team to victory after first joining Formula Student four years ago.
The 22-year-old from Lincolnshire explained: “It's taken a lot of hard work. We’d often be in the workshop from 10am until midnight. There is also a huge side of the competition that is not just about building the car – we've got to make a full costing plan and business plan.
“Staffordshire University is now the best UK team which is a huge achievement. I can't believe we've got it and I can't express how proud I am of the team for how well we've done!”
It was a double celebration for Joseph who graduated with a first class degree this week after returning from the competition. Joseph has also secured a graduate job with Mercedes Formula 1 where he completed a placement year during his degree.
He said: “Automotive and Motorsport Engineering is exactly what you want to study to go into the top level of motorsport. Doing the placement and the opportunities provided by the university have given me enough experience to lead into Formula 1 and hopefully I will stay there for the rest of my life.
“I'm very excited to start after the summer shut down for Formula 1. It's going to be a lot of hard work but at the end of the day, if you're going to do it, you might as well do it at the top of motorsport which I'm very fortunate to be at.”
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