A TELEVISION scientist has been called in to help the University of Hertfordshire defend its title as the top UK Formula Student team – and go on to claim international honours too.

Engineering students at the Hatfield uni have unveiled their most technologically advanced car to date with the help of Dallas Campbell, from BBC’s Bang Goes the Theory.

UH Racing, part of the School of Engineering and Technology, launched their latest car – UH15 – ahead of the British leg of the competition at Silverstone, between July 11-15.

The students are hoping their single combustion car will not only be good enough to win at the Northamptonshire circuit, but also be strong enough to beat the 110 competitors from over 30 counties at the international final.

Dr Howard Ash, senior lecturer at the uni, said: “Being named the top UK team last year just showcased the enormous talent and knowledge base our final year masters and undergraduate students have to create and race such a technically advanced car.

“This year we have our work cut out for us as we are not only defending our title, but want to win the competition outright.”

Formula Student sees teams from across the world design, engineer and manufacture racing models.

UH Racing team leader, Russell Paddon, added: “I am proud to lead a strong team this year, which welcomes back many of UH14’s team members.

“We hope that the past experience and fresh knowledge of our new team members will put us in a strong position to build on the success of last year.

“With just under three weeks until the competition we are optimising all the features of the car so it gives the best performance when it hits the track.”