Winning formula for pupils

TEAM Epic of St Christopher's School drove into the world championships of this year's 'Formula One in Schools Technology Challenge' which will be held in London in September.

The event is a multi-disciplinary challenge where teams of students have to research, design and manufacture a racing car out of a block of wood.

More than 30 senior St Christopher's students, split into seven teams took part in the challenge which was judged by the school's head of design and technology, Simon Jones, along with school governor David Axtell and Bahrain International Circuit operations director Mark Hughes.

Team Epic clinched the two titles of Overall Winner and Team with the Best Presentation for excelling in their car's speed, identity and portfolio. Their vehicle raced at a speed of 58.4 kmph and crossed the 20-metre track in 1.223 seconds.

Simon Jones, said: "Team Epic came together very well with a strong logo and identity. They communicated very well and made an excellent presentation.

"Their car had the best timing and is close to the top timings in the world championship, which is just over one second. For the final races they will have to improve the design in the front of the car and the aerofoil at the back and manufacture two identical cars complete with the team identity.

"In their portfolio, they will have to include more research on the design, development and evaluation of the car and will have to look for sponsorship to go to the world championships."

Delighted at the success of the event, David Axtell said that the atmosphere at the races was tremendous with parents, pupils and teachers giving up their lunch breaks to cheer on their favourites. He said: "Bahrain International Circuit operations director Mark Hughes has offered to provide consultation to the winning team to represent Bahrain in the best way possible.

"I was very impressed with Team Zap (Monty Eayrs, Kareem Ajouz, Hayyan Yousuf and Aizuddin Sultan of Year Seven) who came across as a highly enthusiastic and lively team. Their presentation was well researched and informative and the team members gelled together very well."

Team Venom with members Kyle Kincaid, Isuru Mihirigamage, Ethan McIssac, Scott Wilkinson, Zenas Ashraf and Faruq Quadir of Year 10, won the best engineered car award for meeting most of the 50 specifications laid out by the competition. Mr Jones said their car had a strong design and was the third fastest car.