Day of setbacks for Brunel Solar Team in World Solar Challenge

Barrow Creek, Australia, October 23, 2023 - It was a day full of setbacks for the Brunel Solar Team during the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge. After a smooth first day, the team from Delft encountered setbacks on the second day, with a traffic light playing a crucial role. In the end, they had to relinquish their second place in the standings. In the coming days, the team will have to push themselves to the limit to still have a chance at the world title.

Shortly after the start of day two, the team encountered its first challenge: a traffic light at a roadwork site. Arman van Dijk was sent ahead with some team members to time when the traffic light would turn green. He said, 'These traffic lights pose a significant strategic challenge but also an opportunity. Ideally, the light should be green when the solar car Nuna 12 arrives, so it doesn't have to stop. Stopping not only costs time but also results in a loss of precious energy due to braking.' Unfortunately, the solar car arrived at the traffic light just a bit too early, and the team had to wait for half a minute before the light turned green. It was a costly mistake, as not long after, the solar car from the Twente team smoothly went through the green light without braking.

Soon after, the solar car from the Twente team was driving closely behind the Nuna 12 solar car. It was a cat-and-mouse game all morning; the two cars were moving at almost the same speed. At the first control stop of the day, the gap was only two minutes. Just after noon, the Delft students had to concede the second place to the Twente team. Nevertheless, strategist Sweder Blanken is not immediately concerned: 'It's never pleasant to be overtaken, but it's only day two, and we're not even halfway yet. I have confidence that we are following the right strategy.

Today, the team also had to confront the bushfires in Australia. The country is currently plagued by extreme drought, which can lead to significant bushfires. Towards the end of the day, Nuna 12 drove through an area where the smoke obstructed visibility. The solar car was safely guided through this. The team is currently approaching Alice Springs, where multiple bushfires have been reported in recent days. They are closely monitoring the situation in consultation with the organization.

The reigning champions from Belgium managed to extend their lead in the battle for the world solar racing title today. The Twente team is trailing at a distance of about 60 kilometers, with the Delft team following closely behind at a distance of about 14 kilometers. After two days, the Delft team has covered 1420 kilometers.