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Two years of hard work by students at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University came to nought when a technical problem ruled out NMMU's participation at this year's Hockenheim Formula Student International Race.
The decision was taken by a group of engineers following final inspection of the DibaE electric car.
NMMU's Advanced Mechatronic Technology Centre manager Karl du Preez says they found that some of the safety features of the vehicle were not designed and implemented 100 percent correctly.
These safety regulations are paramount for the safety of the car, which is compulsory for participation in the competition.
"The students' safety is our primary concern hence the decision not to participate. The vehicle is operational, but not all safety aspects can be guaranteed," says du Preez
He says NMMU's Office for International Education has shown continued support for the project by assisting four of the team to attend the event as members of the Ingolstadt Racing Team.
"This will provide essential experience to the students, which will continue with the NMMU Racing team on return."
He says the present disappointment does not mean the end of the project. "We're simply not participating in the 2013 event."
