Almost 200 people attended the Formula Student Symposium organised by Széchenyi István University on 18-19 November, where the cream of motorsport, including the legends of Formula 1 engineering, gave presentations. The popularity of the ninth edition of the international event is reflected in the fact that participants came to Győr from a total of 20 countries.
The Formula Student Symposium, traditionally held at Széchenyi István University, was hosted for the ninth time this year and attracted 22 speakers from various teams and car manufacturers from throughout the world of international motorsport. The main objective of the meeting was to exchange experiences and ideas, with the help of renowned experts, in order to better prepare the student teams for next season’sFormula Student competition series.
“The event fits in perfectly with the development cycle of the Formula Student teams – designing in the autumn, building the car in the spring, testing and racing in the summer – as the new teams are already set up and conceptually prepared by the time of the symposium. In this way the teams can coordinate their plans and learn from our speakers, which in turn then allow them to incorporate their new ideas into the preparations needed or expected for the best result of the coming race season,” said Tamás Kolossváry, Head of the Győr Innovation Park of Széchenyi István University, the event’s main organiser.
Among the speakers at the programme included Claude Rouelle, a motor sport expert who regularly gives professional training courses as a race engineer and vehicle dynamics expert, acting also as a judge at the most prestigious international Formula Student races.
“Formula Student is all about gaining experience and learning from mistakes, because mistakes are key to success, as well as expertise, and it’s important to share experiences – this is a great venue and opportunity to do so here at FSSymposium.”
– The Belgian expert stressed.
Miroslav Zrncevic, test driver for Bugatti Rimac, and Pierre-Olivier Cimon, also from Rimac Technology and a specialist in battery technology, gave presentations. From the world of Formula-1, Timothy Anticevich from the Williams team was present, as well as returning guests Owen Carless from this year’s constructors’ world champion Red Bull and Andor Hegedűs from Aston Martin.
“Széchenyi István University has a number of successes to be proud of in the Formula Student series, one of which is SZEngine, the only engine development team in the competition, which will become an engine supplier for the 2024 race series. Meanwhile, the Arrabona Racing Team has been developing and building a complete racing car and achieving outstanding results year after year. We are delighted to welcome to the Széchenyi István University some of the best personalities in the industry who will share their experience with our students, and in so further strengthen our position in the international arena.”
– Prof. Dr. Gábor Dogossy, Dean of the Audi Hungaria Faculty of Automotive Engineering at Széchenyi István University, emphasised in his welcome speech.
Representing Audi Hungaria, the main sponsor of the Formula Student Symposium, Christian Stengel, Head of Vehicle Development at Audi Hungaria, shared his thoughts on the relationship between the industry and Formula Student.
“In the modern automotive industry, the complexity of the sector means that, in addition to theoretical knowledge, practical experience in all areas of the profession, including communication skills, conflict management and project management, are very important. Formula Student gives you the opportunity to do all of this, making it the best investment in your future.”
– he said.
Napsugár Hunyadi, who is studying Automotive Engineering in English at Széchenyi István University, participated in the event for the first time this year. “I am actively involved in the Formula Student organisation here at the university, so it was only natural that I participate and take part in this professional event, where I can learn from the best international professionals in the motorsport and automotive industry,” he said during his interview with our portal.
Kyrgyzstan’s Alikhan Abdykalykov has been a regular participant in the event for several years. “The professional content and organisation of the symposium is outstanding every year. There are always exciting workshops and presentations – it would be a shame to miss it,” he explained.
“This unique international event is important for all automotive professionals and students, as it provides an excellent platform for the exchange of knowledge and experience between teams,” said Barham Farraj from Jordan, who volunteered to help organise and execute the operational side of the event.
