Successful start to the final race preparations

The team led by project manager Prof. Dr Sylvio Simon and team managers Steven Wenzke and Nick Kucher is working intensively towards participating once again in the Shell Eco-marathon. From 24 to 28 June 2026, the event will take place in neighbouring Poland, at the Silesia Ring in Kamień Śląski.

An important step in this direction was the first test drive, recently carried out on the Dekra Lausitzring test track. Project manager Sindy Schmidt is delighted with the support from the regional test centre: “The test drives at the Dekra Lausitzring are a special privilege for the student team, especially when compared to other teams that do not have this local opportunity.” This is where all new components are tested in combination for the first time. 

Over the past six months, the students have been able to optimise the fuel cell of their energy-saving vehicle. They completely redesigned and built the gearbox from scratch, adjusted the aerodynamics and manufactured all the control boards anew – all to further increase efficiency, consume less energy and thus secure a podium finish in the European efficiency competition Shell Eco-marathon® Poland 2026. 

The diverse tasks are carried out by specialised student teams. The Tyres and Brakes team is practising changing the tyres quickly, reliably and without inner tubes. The Fuel Cell team is testing the operation of the high-pressure hydrogen system, and the Data Acquisition team records 39 critical vehicle parameters every second and checks whether all systems are working together as planned.

Last but not least, the drivers need to be trained in the vehicle. They must get used to the driving experience in the three-wheeled prototype vehicle, in which the driver lies as flat as possible. In addition, this opportunity is used to practise the smooth interaction of all team members for the upcoming competition.

Logistical preparations for the competition are in full swing. This involves organising transport and catering. The REWE Radke family in Senftenberg is once again making a major contribution. This year, too, the company has agreed to provide a large proportion of the team’s catering. The Lausitz Dynamics team is also being supported once again by the Mayor of Senftenberg, Andreas Pfeifer. Further supporters are very welcome.