STUDENTS from Downend School were given an insight into the skills and knowledge needed to build a successful motorsports team on a visit to Williams Racing.
The nine-time Formula 1 constructors championship winners have had legendary drivers including Ayrton Senna, Alain Prost, Nelson Piquet, Nigel Mansell and Damon Hill behind the wheel during 48 years of racing.
The company invited a group of Year 9 pupils from Downend to an enrichment day at its headquarters in Oxfordshire, where they learned the importance of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects to the world of motor racing.
Science teacher Lyndsey Momber said: “During the day, a number of career possibilities and options within Williams Racing and the motor racing industry as a whole were showcased.
“Students took part in a composites challenge, where they were tasked with designing, building and testing a nose cone for a racing car.
“During this task, the students demonstrated brilliant teamwork, problem solving skills and resilience.
“A museum tour provided a walk through the history of the Williams Racing Team and the evolution of F1 and it was a fabulous opportunity to view one of the biggest privately owned collections of racing cars.
“A particular highlight of the day was the Esports Lounge, where the students took part in a range of races at different F1 tracks. The races certainly aroused everyone’s competitive spirit!”
The visit was enjoyed not only by the Year 9 pupils but staff and sixth-form students who helped out on the trip.