TUL hosts the first Polish edition of the F1 in Schools international competition

05/12/2023 - 10:46

For the first time in Poland, on May 14, the Sports Bay, TUL will host the finals of the F1 in Schools Poland world competition, under the patronage of Formula 1. As the organizers say, it is the largest and most exciting STEM (Science Technology Engineering Mathematics) competition in the world.

Finał światowego konkursu F1 in Schools, fot. arch. organizatora

F1 in Schools has been in existence for 20 years in more than 50 countries. It is a unique opportunity for young people to discover their passion in both engineering disciplines, develop their interpersonal talents and prove themselves on the international stage. The winner of the Polish edition of the competition will receive entry to the world finals, which will be held in Singapore immediately before the Formula One race.

Seventeen teams from all over Poland, aged 11-19, are preparing to take part in the finals, explains Assoc. Prof. Grzegorz Liśkiewicz, from the Institute of Turbomachinery, co-organizer of the event. - Each team consists of 3-6 people with clearly defined roles. In addition to the race itself, the teams are also evaluated for branding, their defined values, project management, and effectiveness in attracting sponsors, among other things.

Each team is tasked with designing, using 3D CAD (Computer Aided Design) software, a model of a car, according to the specifications set by the International Rules Committee, just like in Formula 1. - The most important thing to keep in mind is that the shape of the car will determine the time of the race, adds Prof. Tomasz Liśkiewicz of Manchester Metropolitan University, co-organizer of the event and a graduate of Lodz University of Technology.

F1 światowy firnał, fot. arch. organizatora — F1 światowy finał 2019 r., fot. arch. organizatora

Kinga Rudnicka, a graduate of Lodz University of Technology and co-organizer, explains the competition rules. - The cars will race on a special 20-meter track. Each vehicle is powered by a cartridge of compressed air. The judging is based on the driving time and the reaction time of the person starting the car. We watched in awe as the participants worked with great enthusiasm for several months, and we can't wait for the race.

F1 in Schools Poland is sponsored by the companies: BlueRank, Diverse, FORVIA, K-Flex, TME. Partners of the event are: Lodz University of Technology, Polish Motor Association, Arkance Systems, Młodzi w Łodzi, FIA Women in Motosport, Błonie.

Anyone interested in the F1 in Schools Poland competition is invited to apply for participation at kinga@f1inschools.pl The event will begin at 9:30 am and last until 4:30 pm.