This ambition is underlined by the team’s decision to enter the electric category. Thanks to the new EQ models from Mercedes-Benz, Bremen is evolving into a hub for Germany’s electric vehicle sector. "We aim to prove that we have highly qualified young talent in the field of electric vehicles right here in Bremen," Benthien adds. Students on the Bremergy team can complete internships at the sponsors, and in turn the companies are able to attract highly motivated, skilled staff for the future.
From hobby to professional racing team
The University of Bremen provides the team with the workshop and offices, but they have to work for everything else themselves. "In recent years, we have focused on creating professional structures," says Hensel, "and we have established partnerships with many institutions. We have graduates who are writing their master’s thesis with us – the knowledge we gain this way is invaluable." That is why they have joined forces with other racing teams in northern Germany to create Nordallianz, an alliance to counter the supremacy of the teams from the south.
Learning from setbacks
Last season, the team missed the start of the race in Hockenheim. "We had problems with the electrics. We weren’t able to fully fix these in time and weren’t allowed to start," Hensel explains. The rules of Formula Student run to 180 pages, and in the run-up to each race industry experts carefully check every single screw and connector for compliance with them. But the team bounced back quickly from this disappointment. Benthien was impressed: "As soon as they had the car back in the workshop, they started to look for the fault."
Reaching for the top in 2018
The team is better prepared for the coming season. "We’re working to a tight schedule. We’re completely rebuilding the car and banking on a simpler and more reliable design," says Hensel. Hopefully, the top ten will be within the team’s reach next year.
For further information on the automotive and logistics sectors, please contact
Kai Stührenberg, tel: +49 (0)421 361-32173, kai.stuehrenberg@wah.bremen.de