Leaders Fly Towards Adelaide

Despite strong head winds and cross wind gusts, the leading teams were smoking hot today. With just minutes between them, all were travelling above 100 kph as they charge towards Adelaide in the 2025 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge.

 

Dutch team, Brunel, in Nuna 13, has one fin in play, still holding their swordfin in reserve. They are being chased down by defending champions Innoptus, whose solar car Infinite Apollo, flying their dual fins, was able to reign in Dutch team Twente, and take back second place.

 

The top three are now extending their lead from the pack, heading for the Port Augusta Control Stop, and are expected to be through today, well on their way to Adelaide.

 

German team, Sonnenwagen Aachen is maintaining fourth position, although the gap has widened and they are now over an hour behind the lead group. They are followed by Japan’s Tokai and USA’s Michigan in Millenium, who are in a tussle for 5th and 6th. Western Sydney, in Unlimited 6.0, cranked up the pace to overtake JU from Sweden, and is now just 14 minutes behind in 7th position. Neumann from Hungary and Eclipse from Canada round out the top ten, around three hours from the leader.

 

In the Cruiser Class, Hong Kong’s Sophie 8X has accelerated, passing Estonia’s Solaride, as they try to offset a 30-minute penalty, which they will need to serve at Coober Pedy Control stop.

 

Taiwan’s Apollo IX and Italy’s Onda Solare are just minutes apart, around 250 kilometres from Coober Pedy. Australia’s DUST has now crossed the border and is around 100 kilometres ahead of fellow Aussie’s, in Sunswift. USA’s Minnesota, in Gaia, has now moved to the noncompetitive class.

 

So far, the rain and wind are not slowing these top teams – it’s shaping up as a three-way battle to the finish line.

 

To follow team progress, visit Live Map Tracker