A total of 48 combustion teams and 25 electric teams participated across the online and on-site formats
There were two versions of Formula Bharat hosted in the 2021-2022 season. One was online (FBV) and the other on-site. These options were presented to teams as many colleges were closed around the country due to the pandemic and only a few had the opportunity to build a vehicle.
The online event saw participation of 33 combustion teams and 12 electric teams, while the on-site event saw participation of 15 combustion teams and 13 electric teams. The teams participated in a series of static events that took place virtually such as the Business Plan Event, Engineering Design Event and Cost and Manufacturing Event, followed by a set of dynamic events that took place on-site which includes Skidpad, Acceleration, Endurance and Autocross Event.
Beating all odds, the Formula Bharat 2022 on-site competition returned to the Kari Motor Speedway in Coimbatore from January 21 thru 25. Both the competition platform and the student teams saw much uncertainty with the spread of the new Omicron COVID variant. Many teams from the north were unable to make it to the on-site event due to these restrictions. In addition, Tamil Nadu imposed an all-day shutdown on Sunday January 23, which reduced the opportunity for teams to clear technical inspections.
Keeping these restrictions in mind, the event adhered to the COVID-19 protocols. Majority of the static events and ceremonies were moved online in order to avoid crowding on-site. A cap on the number of team members coming on-site was imposed along with strict mask mandates and provision of temperature reports of all team members and event staff each day. Regardless of these extra measures, moving back to an on-site platform was much appreciated by all student teams and staff.
At the event the wind had a feeling of happiness, but also buried under the happy faces was a lot of emotions that creeped up from the feeling of doubt, wonder, and anxiousness as this event had not only the students on their toes but even the organizing team was pushed to the edge to keep this event going amidst the pandemic. The event saw participation from all around India, whilst the COVID protocols set for the event were stringent the dedication shown by the participating teams was commendable.
After the hustling 4 days at Kari, the winners were announced on Tuesday, January 25 via YouTube LIVE. This year the team that took the Overall Winners trophy home under the combustion category was GTU Motorsports from Gujarat Technological University. The Electric category saw Team Kratos Racing from Pimpri Chinchwad College of Engineering adjudged the winners.
Formula Bharat 2022 was sponsored by MathWorks, Zuken India, Ather Energy, Bosch Global Software Technologies (BGSW), Micelio Mobility, Fabheads Automation, Pravaig, Godrej & Boyce Mfg. Co. Ltd. (G&B) and Coexlion.
