Tognum supports upcoming engineers

• Main sponsor of 'Formula Student Germany' design contest
• Patron to eight university teams  

Friedrichshafen, 14 May 2012.  Tognum, the specialist for propulsion and power solutions, is once again one of the principle sponsors of the 'Formula Student Germany' design contest and patron of the 'most innovative power train' award. University teams who have built their own racing cars will come together in the international competition which takes place from 31 July to 5 August at Germany’s 'Hockenheimring' racing circuit. The 'Formula Student Germany e.V.’ association is the organizer of the event, and this year is expecting around 110 teams from 24 nations to take part, comprising a total of 3000 students. Eight teams are being sponsored by Tognum. These include the 'Formula Student Team Weingarten' from the University of Ravensburg-Weingarten; the German-American 'Global Formula Racing Team' from the Baden-Württemberg Cooperative State University in Ravensburg and Oregon State University; the 'High-Octane Motorsports' team from the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg; the 'KA-RaceIng' team from the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT); the 'Lions Racing Team' from the technical university of Braunschweig; 'Rennteam Stuttgart' from the University of Stuttgart, the 'TUfast' team from the Technical University of Munich and the TU Graz racing team from the Technical University of Graz.  

"Tognum is an innovative, globally operating company with a very strong R&D focus. To expand our technological lead, we are giving another boost to R&D expenditure in 2012. We are always on the lookout for qualified staff who can play an instrumental role in implementing our corporate strategy," explained Ingo Metzer, personnel chief at Tognum AG. "The 'Formula Student' contest", he added, "is an ideal platform for us to get to know freshly qualified engineers and inspire their interest in our company."  

'Formula Student Germany' is a registered association which has been organizing the contest since 2006. The idea was provided by the Association of German Engineers (VDI). Over 100 university teams take part in one of two categories – vehicles powered by internal combustion engines or vehicles powered by electrical drive. "Unlike conventional motorsport competitions, the prize does not go to the fastest car, but to the team with the best overall result in the disciplines of design, drive characteristics, energy efficiency, financial planning and marketing," explained Tim Hannig, general manager of Formula Student Germany.   The Formula Student contest has its origins in the USA, and since 1998, competitions have been held in England, Australia, Italy, Japan and Brazil. Since they take place according to the same rules, with just a few differences, engineering graduates can enter their racing cars in different events.