Aurora Report #1 from Bibendum, 28 May 2010

Brazil and Traffic

It was raining in the morning and the view from the room at Casa Del Mar was decidedly gloomy. Even the waves along the beachfront looked sullen.

But there was work to do and Rio Centro, a massive display venue next to a racetrack, was where to do it.

First to Pavilion 5, site of the exhibition that will be part of the 2010 Bibendum in Rio, was where to register and to receive the first package of publications about this world famous event.

Then on to Pavilion 1 where most of the cars entered in this Bibendum were starting to gather. A truck carrying the MOL sea freight container was waiting to unload. Would the solar car and spares as well as tools be in good shape? This container had been on the high seas for 7 weeks with a stop to change ships in Singapore. Most of all will the solar car survive the heat and humidity for so long?

But another container had to be unloaded first. This was an electric car from the Automotive Engineering University in Shanghai. This school provided many staff members at the 2004 Bibendum in Shanghai where Aurora participated in an earlier model solar car. Most every student must have been photographed standing with the solar car; such was the early interest in solar energy and electric cars. We meet again!

After hours of nervous waiting the seal on the 20’ container was finally broken and the container doors opened. There was Aurora 101 in perfect condition just waiting to be back on wheels. This is known as immense relief!

An hour of unpacking confirmed all was well and there was even time to apply new stickers including those signifying this grand event.

And the good news? Bibendum has increased the number of solar car entries by 100%. Yes a second solar car from Michelin’s home city in France. The Belenos solar car, which recently competed in the Global Green Challenge in Australia. Aurelie from the Belenos team was first to sit in Aurora 101 on Brazilian soil.

Looking around the increasing number of cars being assembled it could be seen that this event would see many electric cars on show. Not just logical small two seat city cars but also high performance electric cars from Audi and Citroen. It will be interesting to see how much range these cars have during the running of the 300 km rally on Sunday.

For this event Aurora has been allocated the number 01 and will be the first to start. This sounds great but a first reading of the route notes for the rally produces nothing but fear. Brazilian roads with Portuguese road signs in mad traffic. It’s going to be quite an experience for a small low silent solar car. Driver Derrick Rodgers and road boss Peter Pudney have their work cut out. It’s a lot harder than the 3000 km down the Stuart Highway.

The peak hour drive back to the hotel returned the mood to gloomy. Give the sun a fair go!