Silverstone ambition builds for student engineers

Following high praise for their work, student engineers are seeking sponsorship for the next stage of an international competition

Formula Student team at Silverstone 2026

Silverstone ambition builds for student engineers

Following high praise for their work, student engineers are seeking sponsorship for the next stage of an international competition

15 September 2026

A team of student engineers has given a hint of its brilliance on an international stage at Silverstone.

And, with further sponsorship, they can make the next stage of their dream a reality.

Donate and support

More information on how you can help our Formula Student team

The University of Plymouth’s Formula Student team competed at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) Formula Student competition at the home of motor racing, where teams from across the UK and internationally showcase their racing car designs.

Plymouth competed in the concept class, and their work – including a welded chassis, sponsored by Babcock – was met with high praise and some useful feedback.

They also took part in a simulation event with IPG Automotive, testing their vehicle dynamics using cutting-edge simulation software, and placed fifth internationally against some tough competition.

The team is now seeking further sponsorship to build on their success for next year’s competition, where the students aim to compete in the main racing section with a fully built car for the first time.

With teams from all over the UK, and from as far as Italy, Spain, Sweeden, UAE, Morrocco and even Australia, the atmosphere at the circuit was incredible.

The University of Plymouth team was able to talk to the other teams, learn a lot from the judges, scrutineers and some fantastic exhibitors. The team was even treated to some on track action, with GT and Prototype cars testing throughout the week.

Mr Luke Branca
University Technician and Faculty advisor to the Formula Student team

Placing fifth in the simulation event was also a fantastic way to round off the events, and a true reflection of the team’s potential.

They have the know-how, the enthusiasm and the momentum to compete with the best in the world, and with further sponsorship, they can invest in what’s needed to compete in the main event – which involves fully making the physical car and racing it. It’s a dream they’ve had for a long time, and support from businesses, partners and collaborators could really enable it to come true.

Mr Christopher Pass
University Technician and Faculty advisor to the Formula Student team

All sponsorship directly supports the team's journey from design to competition.

Funding will help cover the materials and components needed to complete the car build, driver training and essential safety equipment, as well as competition entry fees, travel and accommodation costs.

The team also welcomes in-kind support and sponsorship from organisations and individuals able to provide materials, tools, transport assistance, manufacturing expertise, safety equipment, mentoring, or professional industry connections.

Supporters can help by championing the project and sharing the team's story with potential sponsors and partners too.

Formula Student team in the workshop

Formula Student Team Principal Dragos Sabadac

Mechanical Engineering student and Team Principal Dragos Sabadac said:

“We are so grateful to everyone who has supported us so far and enabled us to reach this point. Competing in the concept class of the Formula Student Competition was a hugely valuable experience, and it was great to present the chassis, engine, carbon fibre body work, wheels and prototype suspension parts, along with our plans for the future of the car.

“We’re more enthusiastic than ever to fully complete the car and to begin testing, and are looking forward to making the most of every opportunity we can. Thank you to anyone and everyone who can help us take those next steps.”

More information

Formula Student team member Rowan working on car

Support the Formula Student Team

Formula student team with the new chassis funded by Babcock

Silverstone beckons for student engineers

Study engineering