A team of engineering students from the University of Aberdeen is gearing up to take part in the international Formula Student competition which takes place at Silverstone next summer.
Organised by the Institute of Mechanical Engineers, the annual competition sees teams from universities around the world take on the challenge of designing and manufacturing a single-seater racing car using a high level of technology, business sense and competitive edge.
This is the first time the University has entered the competition which provides participating teams with practical project management, marketing, research and design skills and experience, beyond that provided within the structure of an engineering degree.
To win, the team – named TAU Racing – must produce a prototype meeting the criteria of a fictional manufacturing firm looking to produce 1,000 low-cost, easy to maintain and reliable models at year, retailing at less than £16,000 each.
Once complete, the vehicle will be put to the test on the track at Silverstone against competing entries from universities across Europe, the Americas, Asia and Australia and judged in terms of its marketability, aesthetics, comfort and economy.
Aker Solutions - a leading global provider of engineering and construction services to the process and energy industries - has donated £2,000 to help steer the team towards success.
Rémi Birkeland, senior vice president, Aker Solutions, said: "We are delighted to be helping put this innovative team of highly skilled young engineers on the road to success with their project. Industries like oil and gas depend on having a pool of talented people with the best science, engineering and technology skills under their belts to safeguard their future. However, it is equally as important to foster an understanding of the sort of business and marketing skills which are a vital part of any organisation's success.
"Today's students are potential future employees. The young people who, through us, are given the opportunities to explore their potential through innvative projects like this, are the same people who we hope will be the trail-blazing leaders of tomorrow. We want to help them along their path to future success."
The principal TAU Racing members comprise of students Matt Springer, Ben Woodward, Johnny Stewart, Angus Ross, Stewart Reid, Gary Wood, Wayne Sherry, Malcolm Still and David Hume.