Iecava graduates help build RTU student race car, team heads to European competitions
A student team from Riga Technical University has built its third Formula Student race car, with two graduates of Iecava Secondary School among its members. The team departs this week for competitions in Croatia, Poland and Italy.
A student team from Riga Technical University (RTU), known as «FS RTU», has completed work on its newest race car — a student formula car and the third such vehicle in the team's history. Built according to the rules of the international «Formula Student» movement, the new car is roughly 15% lighter than its predecessor, while engine power has been increased by 5–8%.
The suspension system and its geometry were substantially redesigned, and a full aerodynamic package was added, including front and rear wings and an underfloor. The car is fitted with an extensive sensor system for data collection and analysis, while power comes from a two-cylinder 689cc Yamaha engine that also functions as part of the car's load-bearing structure.
Contribution from Iecava
The team includes two graduates of Iecava Secondary School — Kristofers Birks, who worked on developing the car's electronic systems, and Daniels Spalis, who was part of the suspension team.
Team captain Elīza Ripa said this year's improvements cover both the car itself and the team's composition, with new members joining and gaining fresh knowledge in automotive engineering. The team also thanked its supporters, including the companies «Abplanalp», «DriveEO» and «ToGet».
Heading to competition
The car was formally unveiled at the Riga Motor Museum. The team departs on August 16 for its first competition of the season in Croatia, followed by events in Poland and Italy. Competitions include static disciplines such as business plan and engineering design presentations, as well as dynamic disciplines covering acceleration, handling, autocross and endurance.
RTU students built their first formula car in 2024 and debuted it in Hungary. With their second car last year, they earned the first podium results in the history of Latvian student formula teams at a competition in Poland, and also qualified for the endurance event for the first time at the prestigious Red Bull Ring track in Austria, though technical problems forced them to withdraw.
