As part of our Formula 1 in schools activity, our team was offered the unique chance to be one of the first groups to test the new simulator equipment at Abruzzi, originally an online based company dedicated to sim racing equipment and race clothing.

The business was started by two former Bede’s pupils with a passion for business and doing things differently. They invited our team along to test their simulators and have a look around their warehouse before they opened to the public later in the year. Their setup included 4 F1 style simulators (with options for other styles) and 4 karting simulators. There was even a carbon fibre simulator setup that had been specifically made for a very discerning customer, ready to be packed up and shipped out.

The pupils each got time on the F1 style and the karting simulators, starting with a practice set, qualifying and finally a race. We were able to look around the developing showroom and see their collection of racing memorabilia including some sections of Kevin Magnusson’s F1 car and several racing suits of famous drivers. The pupils loved it and left the warehouse with enormous smiles on their faces, asking us “when can we go back?”

"I think that Abruzzi was a great way to experience what is actually like being behind the wheel of a F1 car or go kart, I think this will help build on the knowledge of how racing cars work and how the structure of the car will really affect the aerodynamics and speed of our module." - Ellie

"I enjoyed my time at Abruzzi, I think it was a great team bonding experience and Got to know my team better. This has strengthened our bond and allows us to work better together on projects. They had many different experiences there and we went on the GT3 and the go karting ones. These can be incredibly realistic and gave us all a little bit of insight into how real drivers feel during the races." - Ethan

"I think that the short time we had at Abruzzi gave us a good grasp on what we are making in the classroom and I think it is good to get all the aspects of F1 like building in the classroom but then racing at Abruzzi. I would think it is needed to progress our F1 skills." - Thomas