“Obviously being able to drive a car at Silverstone that I helped design and build was incredibly special and something I won’t forget,” said Simon.
“But that moment is over before you even know It. Whereas the two-year journey with Formula Student is something you can’t forget.”
He added, “I really enjoyed designing and building the car all the way along. Even with the inevitable problems and challenges along the way, to have built a car from scratch with a such a small group of students is quite an achievement.”
Simon also enjoyed working on his teamwork and communication skills throughout the project.
“As the car is a large multidisciplinary project, it is important to be in constant communication with other members of the team so that everything fits together when you actually start to make it,” he said.
“It helped that I had a couple of friends also working on the project – and I made a few as well.”
Simon wants to be at the forefront of automotive and motorsport engineering technology and research, which is why he decided to undertake the doctorate in advanced engine technology.
He added: "I have ended up with a well-rounded automotive knowledge from the course and from my involvement in Formula Student, which has enabled me to get this position [the doctorate].”
He is happy with his decision to study at University of Brighton, having picked up a lot of theoretical and practical knowledge along the way and enjoyed the whole experience.
He added: “There are a number of reasons I’m happy I ended up at Brighton. Without getting sentimental: friends and the Formula Student team are all definitely up there!”