Team RedShift is an F1 in Schools team from Dubai College, who are going to represent the country on a global platform in Malaysia this September. F1 in Schools is an initiative that gives school students an insight into the real world of Formula 1. People often have a misconception that a job in Formula 1 involves racing a car. But there are hundreds of staff behind the scene that are assigned to a variety of jobs such as marketing, maintenance, logistics, engineering and finance.
The F1 in Schools program aims to develop these skills in the youth. Segments of the competition include designing and manufacturing a miniature F1 car, marketing your team and securing sponsorships, developing a bold team identity, setting up a pit display for viewers, and delivering a verbal presentation.
Team RedShift has been involved in the project since October 2010, and have been tirelessly preparing for their ultimate dream; an entry to the F1 in Schools World Finals 2011. They had to compete within their school, Dubai College to progress to the National level, where they competed with teams from all over the UAE. They were announced UAE National Champions, and were given their ticket to represent the UAE in Malaysia. “It was a feeling that I simply can’t describe. The happiness I felt as I heard our name being called was something completely special”, says Shounak Das the Team Manager.
Currently the team is very committed towards securing sponsorship, which will fund their expenses, hopefully to put them on track to win the World Finals. Their main expenses include a registration fee, flights and accommodation in Malaysia. “Now that our basic costs have been covered, we are definitely on our way to Malaysia, and all that remains is putting together the rest of our show”, says Rahul Dungarwal the Design Engineer.
So far, Team RedShift has managed to secure 13 sponsors. “We think that the help that we are receiving from our sponsors so far will cover the costs of approximately 70% of our estimated expenditure of AED 200,000”, says Dominic Palubiski, the Design Engineer. Team RedShift is also currently in talks with various organizations for sponsorship, and they are confident that they will be able to raise the money they require for their competition in September.
On the 30th of May, Team RedShift was invited to the headquarters of the multinational corporation, Mubadala, where they were privileged enough to have received various presentations and expert advice from top executives of the company, about public speaking, marketing, branding and approaching sponsors.
“The advice we have received today will help us leaps and bounds to secure the sponsorship we need, and end up as winners in Malaysia”, says Mustafa Shaikh, the Manufacturing Engineer.
So far it seems that Team RedShift is determined to win the World Finals, and do the UAE proud. Winning this competition would really bring great popularity to this competition and would really develop the quality of education in the region. We wish Team RedShift the best of luck in Malaysia.
Team RedShift has 5 levels of sponsorship, the highest one being Diamond, with Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze to follow. If you would like to sponsor Team RedShift, or if you have any queries, please feel free to contact them.
- Email – teamredshift@hotmail.com
- Facebook – www.facebook.com/TeamRedShift.F1
- Twitter – @TeamRedShift
- YouTube – www.youtube.com/user/teamredshiftF1
- Website – www.teamredshift.com
