Introduction
Petrobras, with the SAE* Brazil Petrobras Baja project and Formula SAE, supports a venture that involves the Brazilian auto community and encourages the appearance of new Brazilian talent in the technological area.
In 2008, the event will round-up 800 engineering students from 14 Brazilian states, the Federal District, Venezuela, and Colombia. The goal is to design and build an off-road vehicle based on precise specifications (safety, drivability, acceleration, braking, driving up a 45o ramp, among others) and using a standard engine. The final evaluation occurs in an endurance event. The teams classified in first and second places earn the right to participate in the SAE Midwest Baja Competition, held in the United States in the middle of the year and organized by SAE International.
Brazil is a two-time world champion. In 2005 it was the runner-up. Several engineers who are currently heading major Brazilian and foreign carmakers came from these competitions and always recommend the best lubricants and oil byproducts to other companies or direct consumers.
(*) SAE - Society of Automotive Engineering