Belgian Solar Team climbs to second at Bridgestone World Solar Challenge
Monday, August 25, 2025 – The Innoptus Solar Team has moved up to second place in the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge today. The KU Leuven students started this morning in third position, following their impressive overtakes yesterday. After a day full of thrilling exchanges with the team from Twente, the Belgians ultimately finished just seconds behind the leader from Delft. The Belgian team enjoyed a smooth day on the road, aside from a brief technical check. The coming days promise to be even more challenging. Tomorrow, the teams will reach Coober Pedy, traditionally the most demanding section due to rapidly changing weather conditions. The engineering students hope to put their dual fin design to good use there.
Battle of the Titans
The Belgians started today in third place and repeatedly played leapfrog with Twente. They ultimately finished the day in second, just a few seconds behind Delft. After nearly 1,500 kilometers, that margin is remarkably small. With the race now at its midpoint, a neck-and-neck battle is shaping up.
"We started today in third position and played leapfrog with Twente a few times throughout the day. First, we overtook them, then they got past us again during one of our technical stops. At the final control stop of the day, we managed to overtake them once more, and now we are in second place."
Britt Dewalleff (23, Riemst), Mechanical Engineer with the Innoptus Solar Team
Technical check
The solar car, Infinite Apollo, completed a flawless course, with just one brief interruption. In the afternoon, the team made a short roadside stop to check an electronic component to ensure safety. Within three minutes, they were back on track. During that time, the team from Twente briefly overtook them, but the KU Leuven students quickly regained their position. In the end, they were able to close in to just a few seconds behind the team from Delft.
"We had to perform a very brief technical procedure to check a few electronic components. Fortunately, it took less than three minutes, and we were able to get back on track very quickly."
Thibault Lahaye (26, Tongeren), Electronical Engineer with the Innoptus Solar Team
Outlook
Tomorrow, a challenging stage awaits toward Coober Pedy, notorious for its strong crosswinds and rapidly changing weather conditions. In the past, teams have run into trouble here. The Infinite Apollo is equipped with a dual fin, which reduces energy consumption through the sail effect while also providing extra stability. The students hope to stick to their planned strategy.
"Tomorrow will be a super challenging day as we approach Coober Pedy. This area is traditionally known for strong crosswinds, but we are well prepared, as we can use our fin for extra stability."
Wout Rubbrecht (24, Vosselaar), Team Manager with the Innoptus Solar Team
Bridgestone World Solar Challenge
The Bridgestone World Solar Challenge takes place every two years, bringing teams from all over the world from Darwin to Adelaide, across the Australian outback. During this journey, they cover a distance of 3,021 kilometers. The race is considered the unofficial world championship for solar cars.
