Dr Howard Ash, head of automotive at the University of Hertfordshire and a former Formula Student competitor himself, said: "Formula Student is one of the most effective forms of experiential learning in engineering. As well as building the electric race car, students took responsibility for design, manufacturing, cost analysis, business planning, and technical presentations. "It gives students the chance to meet engineers, judges and employers from across the automotive industry, creating valuable opportunities for placements and graduate careers." The University of Hertfordshire has played an important role in developing the Formula Student competition in the UK. Many of its graduates have gone on to work throughout the motorsport industry, including Formula One teams.