Odiham F1 model team prepare for Abu Dhabi finals (From Basingstoke Gazette)

Odiham F1 model team prepare for Abu Dhabi finals

3:00pm Thursday 11th October 2012 in Local By Emily Roberts, Chief Reporter

A TEAM of secondary school pupils will travel to Abu Dhabi to compete in the world final of an engineering competition.

Team Rush from Robert May’s in Odiham will represent England at the 2012 F1 in Schools World Finals from October 29 to 31, in which they will design, construct and race a miniature Formula One car of the future.

The team were successful in the South East heat and UK National Final, and will now compete against teams from 22 countries, for the chance to win the Bernie Ecclestone World Champions trophy.

The students are now putting the final touches to the F1 scale model car ready for three days of intense competition.

Rachel Pluthero, team manager for Rush, said: “Our aim when we came together as a team was to win the World Final and we feel we’re getting closer each day. Our car has been designed and tested and is now into the stages of manufacturing, right on schedule.

“The team is very organised and great at working to deadlines which has enabled us to keep on track, leaving our contingency period free to bring in some new, last minute ideas.”

Team Rush spend up to 15 hours a week on the project.

Rachel added: “From the way the car is being modelled, to the innovative use of the aerofoils, we are pushing boundaries within the F1 in Schools competition like never before.”

The 17-year-old said the trip to Abu Dhabi is a “once-in-a-lifetime” opportunity, adding: “One thing we do expect is that the competition is going to be fierce. We’re fully expecting some emotional moments as well because no matter what happens the World Final, in many ways, marks the end of a journey for us.”

Andrew Denford, founder and chairman of F1 in Schools, said: “I’m sure all the teams are getting very excited and nervous about their trip to Abu Dhabi.

“The goal for every team competing will be to lift the Bernie Ecclestone World Champions trophy above their heads and I know it will be the toughest race to the chequered flag for all these students. Their journey, whether they win or lose, will be an enriching experience.”

Team Rush showcased the F1 in Schools programme to Matthew Hancock, minister for skills, at his office in Westminster, who said: “I was hugely impressed by their passion and enthusiasm.”