Team Sonnenwagen Aachen flew the German flag proudly today as its sleek Projecta Challenger class solar car, Covestro Adelie, claimed pole position with a hot lap speed of 88.4 kilometres per hour.  

They will lead the field for tomorrow’s start of the 2023 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge.

Their qualifying lap time was 1:56:83, ahead of Innoptus Solar Team from Belgium, whose solar car Infinite, posted a time of 1:57:81 (87.7 km per hour). The Netherland’s Brunel Solar Team in Nuna 12 posting a time of 1:59:76, (86.3 km per hour) rounded out the top three, who all lapped under two minutes.

The honour of the fastest CSIRO Cruiser Class contestant went to Australia’s Sunswift Racing team in Sunswift 7 from UniNSW posting a time of 2:11:81 seconds at 78.4 kilometres per hour.

Second in the Cruisers, Thailand’s Siam Technology in STC-4, posted a time of 2:22:48 just edging out Deakin University’s Team ASCEND, just a second behind with a time of 2:23:20.

Event Director, Chris Selwood AM said as the third time competitors, Team Sonnenwagen Aachen, have demonstrated exceptional teamwork, optimal performance and attention to detail.

‘The team has clearly been diligent in its preparation, and I expect to see them in in the mix of this hotly contested field, with any number of teams capable of crossing the finish first in Adelaide.

“However, it’s not the start of this event, but the finish line that’s the key and 3,000 kilometres is a long way. There are some very fine solar cars lining up tomorrow. We wish all participants a safe journey as they take on the adventure of a lifetime chasing the sun from Darwin to Adelaide,” Mr Selwood said.

Cars will begin arriving in Darwin’s State Square from 6am tomorrow morning. The first car will be flagged off at 8 am.