34 Teams Off to Chase the Sun

Bridgestone World Solar Challenge
24 Aug 2025
After a week of high tech reveals and secret weapons, 34 teams from around the world took to the start line at State Square in Darwin today, Sunday 24 August for the 2025 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge.
The honour of leading the field went to Toyota Challenger Class team, Sonnenwagen Aachen from Germany in Covestro Aethon as they were flagged off at 8.am at the official start line ceremony.
Sonnenwagen earned the closely contested pole position posting the fastest lap time of 1.52.51 in yesterday’s ‘hot laps time trials, one of the highlights of pre-race qualifications at Hidden Valley. Hot on their wheels, second on the start grid, was Top Dutch from the Netherlands in Green Falcon with compatriots Brunel in Nuna 13 third on the grid.
The John Von Neumann team from Hungary, with their newly revealed shark fin, claimed a fast-paced 4th position heading out of Darwin. Australia’s top 10, 2023 finisher, Western Sydney in Unlimited 6.0, who showed pace in hot laps, was sitting right behind them in 5th place on the grid.
In the Cruiser Class, the cars of the future designed to reflect sustainable, mainstream mobility, design honours went to Solaride in Friday’s judging, earning them a 28-minute time advantage to be taken at the first Control Stop in Katherine. They were followed by Australia’s Sunswift Racing in Sunswift 7 placing second, and Italy’s Onda Solare, placing 3rd in in design. Deakin University’s DUST was the fastest cruiser in the hot laps and looking to make their mark this year.
Speaking from the start line, Event Ambassador Chris Selwood AM said he could not recall such a highly competitive field.
‘There are many contenders for the finish line this year. Adding to the excitement this year, is the timing, with the race being held for the first time in an Australian winter!’ Chris said.
‘All teams have demonstrated incredible resilience and commitment to make it here today. I’d particularly like to commend the Italian team Archimede, who have worked tirelessly to get their car to the start line after several shipping delays.
‘We wish all participants a safe journey as they chase and predict the sunshine on this 3,000-kilometre, extreme endurance adventure. A once in a lifetime journey to Adelaide,’ Chris concluded.