Truro High pupil, Lexie Pan, 16, caught the attention of Steven Lu, Team Manager of Formula E’s Team China, with her impressive driving performance at the London round of the international Formula E Schools Series. As a result, Mr Lu invited her to visit Team China’s headquarters in Beijing over the summer.
Lexie was even given a taste of what future success might bring when she had the opportunity to hold the FIA winner’s trophy for Moscow on her visit.
She had stormed past the chequered flag just over a minute behind the winning driver after flying round the purpose built track in Battersea Park when she raced in June. She battled her way to an outstanding 7th place and was the 2nd female driver past the post.
The FE Schools Series race was the supporting event for the London leg of the inaugural FIA Formula E series – the world’s first fully electric racing event. The school’s was the only team outside of London to participate and it was the first competitive race with the team’s fifth car, the ‘11th Hour’.
Head of Science, Mr Jon Dean said: “It was a fantastic experience for everyone concerned and we are extremely proud that Lexie’s talent has been recognised by such a prestigious association. She was one of only three female drivers and though there were difficulties, including a puncture, Lexie and the pit crew rose magnificently to the challenge.”
Truro High’s Greenpower team have an exciting season ahead with races at Castle Combe and Rockingham Speedway International Final. The team would like to thank all its supporters, in particular this year’s sponsors Ellis Clowes and Parnalls Solicitors and encourage further investment in the project. The girls are particularly interested in recording their driving experiences via a Go-Pro so that they may share with the public the excitement and thrill of engineering in action.
