F1 in Schools is an international competition for school pupils(9–19), in which groups of 3 - 6 students have to design and manufacture a miniature "car" out of balsa wood using CAD/CAM design tools. The cars are powered by CO2 cartridges and are attached to a track by a nylon wire. They are timed from the moment they are launched to when they pass the finish line by a computer. The cars have to follow specific guidelines (e.g. the wheels of the car must be in contact the track at all times).

 

The cars are raced on an 80-foot (24 m) long track with two lanes, to allow two cars to be raced simultaneously.Software called F1 Virtual Wind Tunnel was designed specifically for the challenge. F1 Virtual Wind Tunnel or F1 VWT uses computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to simulate air resistance on the "cars" made in the CAD.The competition is currently operational in over 40 different countries.The competition was first introduced in the UK in 1999. The competition's aim was, and still is, to introduce younger people to engineering in a more fun environment.The competition is held annually, with Regional and National Finals.

 

The overall winners of the National Finals are invited to compete at the World Finals, which are held at a different location each year, usually held in conjunction with a Formula One Grand Prix. In the UK competition

 

Currently a Northern Irish team holds the world record for the fastest time,and it is our goal to better this in Abu Dhabi.