Autodesk sponsors Formula Student 2008 at Silverstone

116 teams from 99 universities in 21 countries will compete in the challenge to design, build, develop and market a single-seat racing car – balancing speed with safety, reliability, cost and handling qualities. The Formula Student event is the biggest of its kind in Europe and run by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. The event promotes careers and excellence in engineering and provides students with real-life experience in design and manufacturing – as well as business issues, such as working as a team, under pressure and to tight deadlines. Alistair Brook, education manager for Europe, Middle East and Africa at Autodesk, says that those visiting the Autodesk stand at the event will get full information on the Autodesk Student Engineering & Design Community, which enables students to download free versions of Autodesk software, as well as training and learning resources, discussion groups and job postings. “An increasingly competitive world demands the talents of the world’s best and brightest,” he says. “We are always keen to support initiatives that encourage students to excel in design and engineering, and the prestigious Formula Student Event is a fantastic example of this.”