Brunel Solar Team Charge Into Adelaide
Bridgestone World Solar Challenge
28 Aug 2025
They did it – the 2025 Bridgestone World Solar challenge trophy returns to The Netherlands! After the devastation and drama of the 2019 finish, where the team saw their dreams go up in smoke so close to the finish line, there was smooth sailing today for Dutch team Brunel, their mighty lion roaring proudly on Nuna 13, as they claimed their 8th victory with a time of 34 hours, 54 minutes and 21 seconds.
The Dutch aerodynamic, innovative, Nuna 13, with retractable canopy fin and second, manually mounted ‘swordfin’, sailed on the wind, achieving higher speeds without extra energy consumption. Their compatriots, the valiant Team Twente, in Red Discover, took second position, passing defending champions, Innoptus, who needed extra time charging to give them enough energy to make the Adelaide finish. Team Twente celebrated second place with a time of 35 hours, 9 minutes. Belgian’s Innoptus arrived in Adelaide 15 minutes later, to take third place.
In one of the closest finishes – the battle for the top 10 placings was fierce with the order changing several times. Celebrations for German Team Sonnenwagen in Covestro Aethon, who crossed the line in 4th, one hour behind the lead – completing the 3021 km journey for the first time. In a fighting finish, the first Australian team to cross the line, Western Sydney in Unlimited 6.0, showed plenty of grit and Aussie fighting spirit, to be neck and neck with Japan’s team Tokai fighting for 5th place. Michigan’s Millenium is just out of Adelaide and the remaining top 10 are expected today.
The first Cruiser Class solar electric cars are expected to cross the finish line tomorrow morning.
Event Ambassador Chris Selwood AM congratulated the Brunel Solar Team on their magnificent achievement.
‘This innovative, committed, passionate team is an inspiring part of the BWSC story. They have always been strong competitors and their track record in this event is testament to that,’ Chris said.
To follow the remaining team’s progress, visit Live Map Tracker
