They did it! Belgian Solar Team Innoptus has claimed back-to-back Bridgestone World Solar Challenge titles with a time of 34 hours, 4 minutes, and 41 seconds 48 minutes faster than their 2019 win.

Unlike the 2019 drama filled final day, today’s push to the finish line was smooth sailing for the Belgian team that has led almost the entire way from Darwin. The Belgian’s aerodynamic Infinite, with its futuristic fin designed for stability seemed to revel in the tough, windy conditions that proved challenging to many in the Proejcta Challenger Class.

The team crossed ahead of a valiant Team Twente from the Netherlands. Throwing all they had at the Belgian team, their solar car RED X, pushed so close, at times within minutes and sharing NRMA Control stops together. RED X celebrated second place with a time of 34 hours, 24 minutes, 58 seconds.

Their compatriots, Brunel in Nuna 12 arrived in Adelaide around two hours later, to take third place. Also expected in this afternoon, US team Michigan in Astrum.

Disappointing news for German team Sonnenwagen from Germany in Covestro Adelie were forced to retire south of Port Augusta.

In the CSIRO Cruiser Class, wind was also a factor, with none of the teams able to complete the arduous second stage, the first time this has happened in the history of the class. All Cruiser teams had the opportunity to take a full recharge at the designated charging station at Coober Pedy and can now demonstrate the abilities of their cars in the final stage, before presenting for practicality judging on Saturday.  The on-road scoring component will be calculated from the last completed stage.

These solar electric cars of the future will have their moment in the sun on the finish line tomorrow.

Event Director Chris Selwood AM congratulated the Innoptus Solar Team on their magnificent achievement.

‘This professional, innovative, and passionate team have always been strong competitors. Their hard work has paid off. They have competed in this event nine times, and they now have the ultimate reward,’ Mr Selwood said.

For the full leaderboard and to follow team progress visit the VAILO Car Tracker.

Photo Credit: Sarah Reed.

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