Sonnenwagen Photon takes 2nd place at the iLumen European Solar Challenge

What a weekend! 

Team Sonnenwagen Aachen turned in a fantastic performance this weekend in the European Solar Challenge in Belgium, securing 2^nd place in the only 24-hour endurance race for solar cars in the world. 

The 24hr race was started by Belgium federal minister of Energy Tinne Van der Straeten who delivered the starting shot. 

Held at the former F1 racetrack Circuit Zolder in Belgium, the iLumen European Solar Challenge (IESC) provides a perfect opportunity for solar-powered cars to show their full potential, delivering low power consumption and fantastic aerodynamics. 

It was a weekend of wins for the team, as they also picked up 1^st and 2^nd place in the pre-race Dynamic Parcours challenge, where all the teams compete in front of the judges to prove the skill and speed of their pilots and solar cars.

“Getting second place is amazing, we can honestly say we got everything out of our new car which performed brilliantly and raced for over 1,100km! We are super proud of the team and especially all of the alumni who have helped to make this result possible!” said Lina Schwering, Sponsoring and structural team member.

For Team Sonnenwagen Aachen, this was the first chance to put the new car through its paces – and for the team’s pro-driver, Kevin Luinge to show what he’s made of!

Kevin has been karting since he was eight and has been dreaming of a career as a professional driver ever since, and we’re delighted to have him on our team – his knowledge and experience has been invaluable in helping develop the other Sonnenwagen drivers.

Lina added: “In addition to our new car, we also raced the previous car – which meant more of our team drivers were able to gain experience and enabled us to learn more about the vehicle and how it performs,” 

“This was a great challenge and a chance to see how the new car performs under race conditions in readiness for the Solar Challenge Morocco, which runs from 25^th - 30^th October. 

“Driving on a racetrack is a very different experience to racing on roads, but this preparation will stand us in very good stead for Morocco.”

Looking ahead to the Morocco challenge, Tina Pauli, Head of Driving Strategy said: “This race is going to be completely different. There, we will be racing on actual roads, the regular ones where race drivers will have to navigate alongside pedestrians, other vehicles, goats and so on. 

“At 3,000 kilometres, it’s also a much longer race, which starts in Agadir, going once around the desert and the Atlas Mountains and back to the city. 

But following this weekend’s success we’re really looking forward to showing what Team Sonnenwagen is capable of!”