DIAN Racing | Race Day 1 – Full Commitment at the Official Start
Race Day 1 – An Orderly Beginning
As the first rays of morning light touched the track and the paddock was still waking up, DIAN Racing members had already assembled promptly at 7 a.m. Full of energy in the early dawn, the team marched in formation to the pit garage, kicking off the intense rhythm of the first competition day.
Upon arrival, the team members threw themselves into the work: tools were neatly arranged, equipment was wired and debugged, and the working zones were logically divided… everything proceeded in an orderly manner. In less than an hour, the originally empty pit garage had been transformed into a fully functional “temporary workshop,” laying a solid foundation for a full day of efficient operation.
Shortly after 9 a.m., the Team Captain led several core members to the secretariat to officially initiate the team registration process. Faced with complex registration materials and strict eligibility checks, everyone divided the tasks and cooperated, verifying each item to ensure that every document met the specifications. Registration was not merely a procedural step; it was also the first formal test of the team’s pre-race preparations. The team members responded calmly, demonstrating a meticulous and professional attitude.
Rigorous Inspections, Detailed Tuning, Striving for Perfection
01
Midday Trial: Driver Egress Practice
From noon to 2 p.m. came the tense and critical driver egress test. Under the supervision of the marshals, all seven drivers for the electric and driverless vehicles had to quickly unbuckle their safety harnesses and exit the cockpit within the specified time, simulating emergency response reactions. The atmosphere was solemn, but the drivers remained calm and composed, their movements clean and decisive, and ultimately all passed the test smoothly. This was not only a test of physical fitness and skill but also a concentrated demonstration of mental fortitude, paving the way for participation in the subsequent dynamic events.
02
First Battery Box Inspection: Gaining Experience Through Challenges
In the afternoon, the battery box inspection officially commenced. Team members transported their meticulously crafted battery boxes to the inspection area to undergo a comprehensive check by the scrutineers on electrical safety, insulation performance, and structural compliance. Although the inspection was not passed on the first attempt, the team was not discouraged. They quickly noted the issues raised by the scrutineers and clarified the direction for subsequent rectification. Every inspection is a valuable opportunity for improvement, accumulating experience for eventual successful clearance.
03
Pit Garage Self-Inspection: Fine-tuning and Pursuing Ultimate Performance
Meanwhile, the mechanical inspection group conducted a rigorous self-inspection process simultaneously within the pit garage. Team members thoroughly checked critical systems such as suspension geometry, braking performance, and steering sensitivity, paying attention to every single detail. The sound of wrenches clinking, hushed discussions, focused gazes… the entire pit garage resembled a precision “race car clinic,” as everyone continuously optimized the vehicle’s condition to the highest standards.
Exchange, Mutual Learning, and Advancing Together
The competition paddock is not only an arena for racing but also a platform for exchange. Throughout the day, student racing teams from universities across various regions continuously visited the pit garage for interactions. Everyone shared car setup experiences, discussed technical solutions, and forged friendships through exchange. This open and collaborative atmosphere is precisely the spirit of the Formula Student China competition.
As night fell, the lights remained bright inside the pit garage. After a short break, the team members dove into the evening’s final task — a simulated design presentation. Once again, they reviewed their report logic and practiced their presentation delivery, fully preparing for possible questions from the judges. The day’s schedule was drawing to a close, but the hard work continued. Tomorrow, more challenges await them to conquer.
Photos丨DIAN Racing
Layout丨Chen Zhaoxi, Dong Yuteng
Review丨Wang Jiaonan
Managing Editor丨Tongji Automotive Media Center, Zheng Haizhen
Final Approval丨Shi Jingyuan, Zhou Yifan