Students race to build F1 car

Students at the University of Dundee are doing something a little different with their engineering skills by attempting to make a car similar to those used in Formula One (F1).

Undergraduates at the institution studying mechanical engineering or mechatronics have formed a team to enter a national competition.

Sponsored by Michelin, the group is called Dundee University Race Innovation and Vehicle Engineering (Drive) and is aiming to build a vehicle that will undergo a series of tests as the Formula Student competition climaxes at Silverstone in July.

'Not only does it encourage the development of new engineers, but the hands on/gloves off approach is a great project for any engineering student,' Michelin's Personnel Manager, Ian Peart, commented.

Organised by the Institute of Mechanical Engineers, the competition is aimed at encouraging the development of skills, enthusiasm, ingenuity and commitment to engineering.

The institute points out that management, marketing and people skills are also very important qualities to possess in the engineering world.