Not only stakes are high at the race track at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park; so is the temperature. Sun is shining over London, crowds are pouring in and the 173 teams from all over Europe are working feverishly in the overheated paddocks, getting their cars ready for the big race, which will officially begin today.
We are not talking about a classic race, though. Speed isn't important during (this stage of) the Shell Eco Marathon. Efficiency is what matters. The victory will go to the student team that goes the furthest on the least amount of fuel.
First team to pass the technical inspection
In order to make that happen, the teams can't just show up on the day of the race and drive around the track. In fact, the Green Team has been in London since Monday. 'First we needed to pass the technical inspection,' explains Rhita Addi. 'The good news is that we managed to pass the inspection as the very first team here. We had to wake up very early and stand in line from 6 am, but we are happy to say that this is the first time the Green Team passed on the first try! That never happened before.'
40°C in the car
After the good start, the team's creation H2∞ (Infinity) was ready to do a few test rounds. 'All went well, except we discovered it was very hot,' continues Addi. 'It was very difficult for the driver to adapt to the heat. She needs to be wearing a full suit and gloves and it was about 40°C in the car. However, that was our biggest problem. Now we are focusing on tweaking our race strategy and executing it perfectly.'
'We are together 24/7, we have to be one entity'
The teams have several attempts to set their score. The UrbanConcept category challenge, in which the Green Team is competing, is taking place today, as well as tomorrow. Based on the overall results, winning teams will be crowned tomorrow evening.
'What does it feel like to be so close to the finish line, to the thing you have been working towards for a year?' I ask the Green Team. 'We are all tired, but also relaxed. We have a good work division and we are very organized, so everyone knows what to do,' says Regina Chang. 'And it brought us closer. Because we are together 24/7, we have to be one - one team, one entity.'
