Formula Student is an international competition in which students design, build, and present their race cars. After passing technical inspections, the machines take to the track, where their performance is tested in dynamic events such as Skidpad, Acceleration, Autocross, and Endurance – the toughest one, a 22-kilometre reliability test of the design.

Formula Student Austria – a taste of disappointment

The team’s first stop was Formula Student Austria (20–24 July), held at the legendary Red Bull Ring. Proton Dynamic smoothly passed all technical inspections and took part in all dynamic events.

The biggest challenge turned out to be Endurance – the toughest part of the competition. Despite excellent driving and a consistent pace, on the last corner of the 22-kilometre race the PD 2.5 stopped due to a discharged traction battery. The cause was both an unlucky situation on the track and a miscalculated energy strategy.

“The experience in Austria was a bitter lesson for us,” says Michał Mokrzycki. “It showed that even the best-prepared car cannot win with a suboptimal strategy. However, we drew valuable conclusions from this, which will certainly pay off in the next competitions.”

A demanding but successful finish in the Czech Republic

The next stage was Formula Student Czech Republic (4–9 August). Technical inspections here turned out to be exceptionally demanding – much more detailed and time-consuming than in Austria. Despite having more time to complete them, the team managed to finish only at the last moment, which required tremendous mobilisation and work under pressure.

In the end, Proton Dynamic passed all checks, and the PD 2.5 was able to participate in all dynamic events. The greatest success was completing the Endurance, which the team finished without problems, achieving the second-best time among Polish teams.

“The competition in the Czech Republic tested our patience and resilience,” stresses Szymon Czapp. “The technical inspections cost us a lot of nerves and effort, but we proved that we can adapt to difficult conditions and ultimately achieve a good result.”

Recap of the 2025 season

Despite the difficulties, the 2025 season can be considered successful. The team demonstrated that it can compete on demanding European tracks, pass rigorous technical inspections, and improve the performance of its car.

“Our entries in Austria and the Czech Republic showed that we are able to fight with the best,” summarises Przemysław Lasek. “Completing the Endurance in the Czech Republic with the second-best time among Polish teams, along with the lessons learned in Austria, allows us to look to the future with great optimism. Now we know what to work on to achieve even better results in the coming seasons.”