Being Aeolus Champion is a hard job so we are sorry you had to wait so long for a video of the race. Anyway, we are happy to present this funny little movie that shows our first ride on the dyke at the lovely coast of Den Helder. It was shoot on a bicycle… you can hear the guy complaining because he cannot follow the Ventomobil;)The video gives you also an impression of the functionality of our wind racer: The carbon-fibre-built tower can be turned into the wind, and through pitching the blades can be adjusted optimally to the wind speed. Via two bicycle gearboxes and a bicycle chain the power then is transmitted to the axle.

It was tough, it was hard-fought but in the end WE DID IT! At the end of the racing days in Den Helder, our Ventomobil turned out to be the fastest wind racer at the Aeolus Race! In a competition of each against all, we reached 65% of the wind speed straight into the wind and came out on top. Our big advantage was the lightweight construction of the Ventomobil: Our baby weighs only 130 kg, the racer of the second placed team “Energy research Centre of the Netherlands” (ECN) weighs almost 400 kg. And there is even more to it than that! We have also won the prizes for the best PR work and the best design!! We are really enthusiastic about that, you’ll hear more about the race later… we gotta party a little now!Here are some pictures as an appetizer!
The Arrival in Den HelderOn your marks, get set...We are the ones ahead!!

The moment of truth has arrived! After eight months of hard work and a lot of testing with the Ventomobil, we compete at the Aeolus Race in Den Helder, Netherlands! The three-day race (August 21 to 23) with five international competitors will be a hard challenge - but we certainly try our best!!! The challenge, taking place alongside the festivities of the Tall Ships Races 2008, is conducted on the Den Helder seawall. The entrance requirements are strict: Sailing straight into the wind in a single-handed land yacht equipped with rotorblades or a (Darius)turbine.The first test drive with the Ventomobil at an airport near Stuttgart, Germany
All teams on the track will be eyed by an observation team during trial & testing, qualifying race and finals. The observation team consists of 1 or 2 arbitrators and a full inspection team. At 6 pm, each night, we will make camp.Well, even if we aren't the fastest team we'll have a good chance to win an prize, since there is a number of other awards like the one for the best design, safety, best sportsmanlike behaviour and even bad luck! Anyway, of course we want to come out on top and we will show that wind mobility is really working! See for yourself by watching our latest video: The first recording of the Ventomobil in action:We keep you updated about the Aeolus Race! Stay tuned!!

Our engineering geniuses from Team InVentus have got a tail wind: Right now, every screw in the “Ventomobil” is being thoroughly tested, in order to prepare the wind racer for the big Aeolus Race in Den Helder (August 20 to 23). While the heart and kidney checks are running, a chassis design is also still being sought! And because the Ventomobil is destined to generate a whirlwind of excitement, as it were, we brought a proven professional together with the team representing our hopes for the future: Check out InVentus talking to BMW designer Stephan Augustin!
InVentus: How much work is involved in constructing a chassis? How many labor hours should we calculate?Stephan Augustin: You can’t really make a sweeping statement as to the amount of work required for the construction of a chassis. Generally, it involves a lot of time. However, the objective of the project is the clever construction of the engine. For that reason, I wouldn’t invest too much in it here.
BMW Designer Stephan Augustin
InVentus: What is the best method of construction for a chassis?Stephan Augustin: The best option is to use fabric, film or elastic membranes. These are pulled over a ribbed frame, similar to old aeroplanes.
Consequently, the vehicle is very light, and also looks attractive due to the minimal surfaces. Plexi should only be used in areas subject to substantial stress. InVentus: How significantly is air resistance reduced through the use of a simple fairing in our current model?

Stephan Augustin: That depends entirely on the front surface of the vehicle, but generally every fairing is an advantage, even at lower speeds. The use of membranes is also completely sufficient, particularly at low speeds. The Ventomobil - still naked without chassis
InVentus: Should you already have the design in the lead-up to construction, or simply get stuck straight into the vehicle?Stephan Augustin: Getting stuck straight into the vehicle might be a bit risky. I would prepare a small model with the basic geometry, and then design the external skin with wire and nylon stockings, just like Frei Otto did for the design of the Munich Olympic Stadium. Then replicate it exactly in construction.
And by the way: There's still a lot to do! You can help us to bring the Ventomobil on the streets. Test drive the Ventomobil and give us your feedback - or bring up your idea of a chassis design for the Ventomobil.

Your help would be appreciated!