“I was thrilled to also see students honing their soft skills as much as their technical ones, with ongoing focus in education and lessons in English, communication, and team-working proving vital for coordinating efforts within the team and with officials. Team members actively demonstrated elements of management and team working capabilities, coordinating pit operations and executing quick, effective repair work under tight deadlines, a challenge acutely (to use an example) felt by Boston College Racing with their engine and gearbox changes.

“I was especially thrilled to see new team members (the new learner cohort) were also fully integrated, benefiting from vital peer-to-peer working, support, and training from their more experienced teammates.”

Team Professionalism and Commercial Focus

“As a team, we were keen to place a dual emphasis on the non-technical aspects of the competition, and see teams utilise the Silverstone Finale to showcase Team Professionalism and Commercial Activities. This focus was particularly intense given the high number of industry guests present, making the weekend a final, crucial showcase of their work-readiness.

Strong elements of professionalism, which are a core tenet of the Student Motorsport Challenge, were evident in many of the teams’ organised ‘workflow’, such as the polished presentation of the teams, and respectful paddock interactions. Simultaneously, teams showcased their commercial commitment, demonstrating success in securing partnerships and external support. This highlights that success in the competition is two-fold, demanding not only engineering excellence but also a strong aptitude for the business side of motorsport and presenting themselves at the highest level.

Race Day Duties and Engagement

“I’m proud to report that our teams’ work is always under the supportive and watchful ‘eye’ of the tutors, Student Motorsport staff, and respective circuit officials, and is positively critiqued and guided accordingly from the outset, with students taking part in scrutineering preparation ready for circuit officials’ inspections.