We from the Public Relations Department met with them and asked them several questions:
1. How did the team perform in the conditions of the pandemic COVID -19?
Due to the epidemic situation, we were unable to organize the event that we hold annually with our partners to thank them for their various forms of support. Another event that we had to cancel was related to "Aerodynamics in Sports Cars." Our chief aerodynamicist was scheduled to deliver a lecture showcasing the fundamental elements that constitute the aerodynamics of a racing car. The event attracted interest from people of all ages, both within and outside the university. During the pandemic, we dedicated a significant portion of our time to strategic decision-making. We are also in the process of transitioning our work environment from Google to Microsoft, where we will benefit from a wider range of services, more space, and various levels of access.
2. What are the new engineering solutions in the third car?
One of the largest projects that the team is working intensively on is aerodynamics. A comprehensive package is being developed: underbody diffuser, front and rear wings, and a panel covering the engine. This will help us not only in dynamic disciplines but also in static ones. We are working on two other major projects, the first of which is the integration of the differential into the car. You can find more information about this development on our social media. The second major development, which we have not mentioned so far, is a steering rack that is entirely "custom" for our needs. Through it, the steering wheel will turn with much less effort, and in dynamic disciplines, we will improve precision and reduce driver fatigue. The "Electronics" team is also working on two other major projects - traction control and telemetry. For telemetry, we are working together with our friends from the "Robotics" student club. Telemetry, in other words, is our real-time communication with the car, through which we manage to collect data while the car is in operation.
3. Will there be a competitive season for Formula Student in 2020?
Even in the first days when we were locked at home, news started coming in about cancelled competitions, until eventually none remained active. Currently, there are two competitions, one of which is the British one, where only static disciplines will be held and it will take place on the internet. The other competition is Formula Student Alpe Adria, which managed to organize despite the situation. We are lucky to be among those qualified for it and to be part of the format that will take place in Novi Marof, Croatia from August 26th to 29th, 2020. There we will compete with 22 cars from 10 countries.
4. Tell us more about the team and how it changes over the years?
The changes over the years are mainly in the number of team members. At the beginning, the students who managed to realize this crazy idea were a small team, which over time grew to 30 people, as many as we are now. The interesting thing is that the team changes every year because one of the conditions to be part of us is to be a student. Every newcomer comes with motivation and ideas to pursue perfection and become better every season.
5. What are your plans for next year?
Preparing our third car, which will be based on the current one. For this purpose, however, we still need tests on the current one to gather information that will help us refine the concept, increase the team with new members, find new partners, and strengthen the relationship with current ones.
We spoke with the team leaders:
Ivan Ivanov – Team Captain
Ivan Kulin – Leader of the "Electronics" Team
Simeon Simeonov – Leader of the "Aerodynamics" Team
Angel Aleksandrov – Leader of the "Chassis and Suspension" Team
Kristian Ivanov – PR & Management
