Students from K J Somaiya College of Engineering at Somaiya Vidyavihar University have made their mark on the international stage by securing 25th place out of 38 finalists at the prestigious Formula Student Austria 2024, held at the Red Bull Ring F1 Track in Austria. Competing with their third electric vehicle (EV) prototype, named Pegasus, the team Orion Racing India became the first Indian EV team to successfully complete an Endurance Event in the competition’s history.
Formula Student Austria is a highly regarded global engineering competition that challenges university teams to design, build, and race small, formula-style cars. The event saw Orion Racing India excel in both static and dynamic events. The team achieved 5th place in the Cost and Manufacturing Event, 15th place in the Business Plan Presentation, and 30th place in Engineering Design.
In the dynamic categories, they secured 20th place in Autocross, and notably, 9th place in both the Endurance and Efficiency events. These accomplishments not only earned the team international recognition but also set a new record as the first and only Indian team to complete endurance events in both the combustion and electric categories.
Prof. V. N. Rajasekharan Pillai, Vice Chancellor of Somaiya Vidyavihar University, praised the team’s success, stating, “This remarkable achievement is a testament to our students’ dedication and the innovative environment we cultivate at the university. Securing 25th place among global finalists is an outstanding accomplishment that brings great pride to our university.”
Dr. Suresh K. Ukarande, Principal of K J Somaiya College of Engineering, also commended the team, emphasizing the significance of their collaborative efforts and technical expertise. He extended congratulations to all the students and faculty members involved, including Faculty Advisor Dr. Manoj Pawar and Mentor Ronak Singh, and noted that this success sets a high standard for future teams.
With over 80 years of experience in education, Somaiya Vidyavihar University offers a diverse range of multidisciplinary programs to students worldwide. Located on a sprawling 50-acre campus, the university serves over 10,000 students in fields such as Management, Engineering, Humanities, and Sciences. The university’s advanced incubation center supports entrepreneurial ventures, while the placement cell ensures strong employment opportunities for graduates. Somaiya Vidyavihar University is committed to providing students with a broad spectrum of learning experiences and the freedom to explore their passions.
