University of Liverpool team secures two Formula Student awards with 2026 car, manufactured with support from Joloda Hydraroll.

Joloda Hydraroll, material handling expert and global loading and unloading solutions specialist headquartered in Liverpool, has confirmed its sponsorship of the University of Liverpool Motorsport Team for Formula Student 2027.

This will be the fourth consecutive year that Joloda Hydraroll has sponsored the team and follows a double win at the Formula Student 2026 live finals, which took place at Silverstone Circuit in July. The University of Liverpool Motorsport Team was named Concept Class Overall Winner and awarded the IPG Automotive Lap Time Simulation Concept Class Award 2026.

Formula Student challenges young engineers to develop a single-seater race car. It provides real-world engineering experience and a platform for students to showcase their talents in events across the UK and Europe. The University of Liverpool is one of more than 100 university teams that participate worldwide.

In addition to sponsorship, Joloda Hydraroll provides the University of Liverpool Motorsport Team with access to its Liverpool and Anglesey manufacturing facilities. Each year, students have the opportunity to visit the factory, where they work with Joloda Hydraroll’s manufacturing team to develop and produce components for their race car, including parts for the suspension, chassis and powertrain.

Using the machining and welding capabilities in Liverpool, students gain valuable factory experience, learning how to improve designs and drawings for smarter, more efficient manufacture, and getting exposure to alternative ways of producing components.

For 2026, the objective was to craft an all-electric, four-wheel drive vehicle with space frame chassis, reflecting the commitment to a greener future, minimising emissions and environmental impact.

Evelina Calhaem, Year 3 Undergraduate MEng Student and University of Liverpool Motorsport Team Member, said: “Competing in both the Concept and FS classes at Silverstone this year, and taking home the Overall Concept Class win, has given us an incredible foundation to build upon for the 2027 season.

“As we look ahead, our primary focus is heavily on manufacturing. Specifically, using our theoretical designs to directly improve the dynamic performance of our physical car on the track.

“Bringing these advanced engineering concepts to life requires high-quality, precision fabrication, and Joloda Hydraroll’s continued support, factory access, and machining expertise will be absolutely vital in helping us manufacture the next generation of our race car.”

George Utley, Production Engineering Manager at Joloda Hydraroll and a University of Liverpool Motorsport alumnus, has guided teams through the manufacturing process since Joloda Hydraroll first became a sponsor. He also attends the Formula Student finals as a volunteer technical scrutineer, inspecting cars to ensure they meet the required safety and technical regulations before entering the track.

George commented: “The students put a huge amount of work into the Formula Student competition, so it was fantastic to see that recognised with two awards at Silverstone in 2026.

“Our role at Joloda Hydraroll is to help the team turn their designs into the real thing, facilitating the manufacture and testing of components that make up the finished product. It’s great to work with the students on their ideas and watch the cars come together. We’re looking forward to doing it all over again as we enter the 2027 season.”

The University of Liverpool Motorsport Team consists of both third and fourth year students studying for an integrated master’s degree in mechanical engineering. Joloda Hydraroll’s support forms part of its pledge to help develop the next generation of engineers and industry professionals, which also includes its annual apprenticeship programme.