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One might accuse a racing team of never being able to move fast enough. That certainly applies to the races themselves – but when it comes to preparing for a new racing season, other qualities are required. After a two-year absence from racing events and a number of setbacks in the construction of the new electric racing car, Technikum Mittweida Motorsport (TMM) is back on the starting grid for a new season this spring.
Two dates are marked in red on the calendar: the rollout – that is, the public unveiling of the new car at the Sachsenring on 13 March – and the first Formula Student (FS) race at the TT Circuit in Assen, the Netherlands, in mid-July.
Before they can take part, the team must not only have a finished and roadworthy car, but also successfully complete the ‘Registration Quizzes’. Only by providing quick and correct answers to questions on the FS regulations and component calculations can a team qualify for the season – and secure one of the few starting places amongst 300 teams. The 111-strong team is currently working flat out on this and on the final assembly of the racing car.
The students behind TMM come from (almost) every faculty at the university, as taking part in Formula Student is an interdisciplinary project in which everything – from mechanics and electrical engineering to cost calculation and marketing – is in the students’ hands and is crucial to their success in the competition.
Technology adapted
The team has had a challenging year: due to delays in external manufacturing processes, TMM was unable to organise a launch or take part in any racing events for the 2024 season. In particular, the complex design of the wheel hubs and wheel carriers posed major challenges for both the technicians in Mittweida and TMM’s external partners in Mechanical Engineering.
The Formula Student regulations, which are updated annually, also require adjustments to many components of the vehicle. As a result, three team members have redesigned the entire vehicle kinematics. However, tried-and-tested technical solutions from previous vehicles were also retained, including the free-suspension differential gearbox from the HECtor (2012–2015) and the seat and headrest design from the Black Mama (2022–2023). Following final assembly, test drives are scheduled to optimally fine-tune the interaction between the chassis, powertrain and power electronics.
Tackled internal matters
Teamwork and the organisation of internal processes have also been key focuses of preparations for the new season over the past few months.
“We have used the winter term to optimise our internal processes and better position the team for the future,” says Emily Thieme from TMM (second from the left in the picture below). “The focus was on improving organisational workflows and boosting efficiency within the team, including through the introduction of the two main departments: Electrical Engineering and Mechanics.”
Emily, aged 21, was TMM’s commercial director until the end of 2024. Although she is staying on the team, the Business Engineer student has handed over her role to a successor so she can focus on her Bachelor’s thesis. Staff turnover within the team is typical for a student project. New members join, whilst others leave having successfully completed their studies. This makes the ‘old hands’ all the more important, as they pass on their knowledge and experience to the younger members.
TMM has made the most of this opportunity as well. “For example, by introducing Microsoft Teams as a new communication platform, we have improved knowledge transfer within the team and have thus been able to integrate new members into their tasks more quickly.” In addition, TMM has developed special practice exercises and workpieces for the new arrivals to help them get started.
TMM welcomed 27 new members for the 2024/25 winter term. Of particular note is the expansion of the Vehicle Dynamics team from three to seven members. The Public Relations team is also heading into the new season in stronger shape.
Supporters secured
The new racing car, whose name is still a secret, will make its first public appearance on 13 March at the Sachsenring. On that occasion, TMM intends to present the results of the work carried out over the past few months, particularly to its sponsors. There are some new additions here too: the family-run business Kömpf24 – Garten. Wohnen. Leben has been among the sponsors since the start of the year.
Emily Thieme is delighted: “Without the financial and technical support of our sponsors, this level of involvement in motor racing would not be possible. TMM is heading into the new season with great enthusiasm.”
