Formula Bharat completes 2022 season with on-track event at Kari Speedway

The online event saw the participation of 33 combustion teams and 12 electric teams, while the on-site event saw the participation of 15 combustion teams and 13 electric teams. There were a variety of static events including design, business and cost and manufacturing events, as well as dynamic events on-track, such as skidpad, acceleration, endurance and autocross.

Formula Student championships are some of the most useful events around the world to find and encourage promising students who have a flair and talent for motorsport engineering. Formula Bharat serves the same purpose in India, inviting university teams to build their own cars according to Formula Student regulations and compete in a variety of events. After holding the 2021 event virtually, the championship returned to the track with a slew of changes and innovations in order to take cognisance of the pandemic threat.

In fact, the restrictions imposed because of the Omicron variant threatened the championship itself, as many teams from north India were unable to travel for the on-track events. However, the event organisers ensured that all possible protocols were adhered to, such as the majority of the static events and ceremonies moved online in order to avoid crowding. A cap on the number of team members coming on-site was imposed along with strict mask mandates and provision of temperature reports of all team members and event staff each day.

A representative from the competition said, “We had a feeling of happiness, but also buried under the happy faces was a lot of emotions that crept up from the feeling of doubt, wonder, and anxiousness as this event had not only the students on their toes but even the organising team was pushed to the edge to keep this event going amidst the pandemic. The event saw participation from all around India, whilst the covid protocols set for the event were stringent the dedication shown by the participating teams was commendable.”

After a gruelling event, the winners were announced via live streaming. GTU Motorsports from Gujarat Technological University won the overall winners Trophy in the Combustion category, while Team Kratos Racing from Pimpri Chinchwad college of engineering took home the honours for the Electric Category.