What does the race look like?
‘It’s a 24-hour race, so we start at noon on Saturday and keep going until noon on Sunday. The race begins with a Le Mans-style start, meaning the drivers line up alongside the track and, after the starting signal, have to run to their cars. During the race, there are a few five-minute driver changes, and you get two opportunities to recharge. You’re not allowed to do anything to the car during those changes.
The aim is to complete as many laps of the circuit as possible. The more laps, the more points. There are also a few skills tests where you can earn additional points. The team with the most points wins.’
Can you tell us about the preparations for the race?
‘On Thursday morning, 17 September, about thirty team members will set off from Enschede. The technical inspection takes place that same day, with the organisers checking whether the car has been built according to the rules, whether the brakes work, and whether it has the correct dimensions. On Friday, we’ll do some test driving. The night test is important: drivers must have driven in the dark at least once, because it will also get dark during the race. And then Saturday is the big day.’
How do you rate your chances?
‘In terms of team spirit, we’ve already won. Many of us who took part in recent years have remained involved with the current team, sharing ideas and giving advice on certain technical matters. It’s going to be exciting either way, because Leuven, Aachen, and Groningen are each competing with two cars. Of course, we’re all dependent on the weather. It looks like we’ll get some rain, which means less solar energy, but on the other hand, the tyres will last longer. But we’re definitely going for the win, one last time.’
You were involved with Solar Team Twente from 2019 to 2025. How does it feel to see the team take a different direction now?
‘A little strange, but I understand their decision. It’s definitely cool to take on a completely new challenge, and I’m very curious to see how they’ll do. That said, I’ve experienced some great things. For example, I was already event manager for the trip to Australia, so I organised the entire design presentation at the time. Those were valuable learning experiences, but also great memories.’
And after noon on Sunday?
‘Hopefully, we’ll have secured the win by then. Either way, there’ll be a party.’
iESC
The iLumen European Solar Challenge is the world’s only 24-hour race for solar-powered cars. The event is held every two years at Circuit Zolder in Belgium. Solar cars run on sunlight during the day, but also have to keep going at night and in changeable weather conditions. Teams are allowed to stop a limited number of times to recharge.
Solar Team Twente takes up rally racing
Solar Team Twente started building solar cars in 2003. In 2025, the team finished second. According to the organisation at the time, solar racing had reached an innovation ceiling, so the team decided to shift its focus to electric rally racing.
