On Saturday at 1 p.m. the time had finally come: with a LeMans style start the 24-hour race at the Circuit Zolder began – and with it the most important part of the European Solar Challenge. With optimal weather conditions for solar vehicles the racing cars were sent out onto the track to cover the longest possible distance in 24 hours. After some starting problems, the Covestro solar car was able to catch up quickly and was in fifth place behind Punch 2 when the driving strategy received a frightening radio message from the driver of the car: the latter had slipped out of the difficult chicane and turned to the side.

The last day before the start of the 24-hour race on the Circuit Zolder was demanding for all departments. After the electrical engineering and chassis departments had been working on the cars until the morning, both rolled out onto the track at nine o'clock in the morning for testing. In the following hours, the drivers had time to adjust to the track and develop a feeling for the curves, chicanes, ups and downs of the track.

The Scrutineering is done, "all green" for our both solar cars! The past night shifts and today's work have been worth it and our two solar racing vehicles have the starting permission for the 24 hour race from Saturday to Sunday. Most of the points of the European Solar Challenge's Scrutineering are the same as in the World Solar Challenge. But especially the driving at night requires some extra features. For example, the car must be equipped with headlights that are bright enough for the drivers to drive safely in the dark. After some talks and discussions with the officials of the ESC all points could be checked off and we can look forward to an exciting race!In the evening the race management opened the race weekend with a speech and after that we moved the main part of our workshop to our pitbox.

The European Solar Challenge is getting closer and closer! The setting up of the camp in Zolder marks the beginning of an intensive racing weekend in Belgium. On the first official day of the event the Scruiteneering - the technical inspection of all participating vehicles - will take place. Here the cars mechnical and electrical components will be checked, to ensure a smooth race and the safety of all participants.