Members of the UPB Drive team from the National University of Science and Technology POLITEHNICA in Bucharest, known for its revolutionary projects in the field of student cars, have joined the national campaign "100 Youngsters for Romania's Development", 2025 edition, organized by the Dan Voiculescu Foundation for the Development of Romania.
The initiative started in 2018, when a group of passionate engineering students decided to build a single-seater from scratch - a Formula Student racing car. The DR01 and DR02 prototypes were the first steps, built from simple materials (in some cases PVC and plates) for testing and learning with which they participated in national and international competitions. Having moved beyond the prototype phase, the team launched their first working car about three years ago. Since then, they are already on their fourth working version of the single-seater.
At the same time, the technological evolution is visible: the team is working on a hybrid version of the vehicle, a transition that comes as an intermediate step before eventual full electrification. Lately, the team has focused its efforts on designing a hybrid drivetrain and innovations such as the 3-point trailing arm rear suspension.
The team's efforts are not limited to the lab or the garage - the young engineers have put the single-seater on the track in international competitions, gaining valuable experience and outstanding results. UPB Drive consistently participated in Formula Student Balkans, a regional competition dedicated to future performance engineers, and they took the project to the Czech Republic, the Netherlands and Italy, where the single-seater was tested in rigorous contexts. A highlight was in 2019, when the UPB Drive team competed for the first time at Formula Student Netherlands, on the famous TT Assen circuit, with the DR02 prototype. Here, the Romanian students managed to stand out, achieving 10th place in the Business Plan Presentation section in the internal combustion engine class and placing 25th overall in the same category - a notable performance for a team just starting out on the international competition scene. In 2023, the team managed to stand out at the competition in the Czech Republic, making it to the podium and winning 1st prize in the static Business Plan competition. This year, UPB Drive managed for the first time with this season's single-seater, the DR06, to finish the endurance at all three competitions they participated in, making the 2024-2025 season a historic one for the team. Next up is the launch of the DR07, the version the team is now working on, with technological improvements and more project maturity.
With determination, skill and innovative spirit, the members of the UPB Drive team are contributing to the image of a young, ambitious Romania, eager to position itself among the technological leaders in the region.
