FAQ

● What does the route look like?
○ The route consists of 5 stages of approximately 550 km. There is an overview of the route on the website.

● Which teams can participate?
○ All solar car teams that have a car that complies with the BWSC regulations of 2019 or 2021.

● What different classes do we have?
○ Challenger Class
○ Adventure Class

● Which regulations apply?
○ Separate regulations are being written for the Solar Challenge Oman.
The basis for this will be the BWSC regulations of 2019, but cars built on the basis of the BWSC 2021 regulations can also participate by
means of specific adjustments.

● Will their be control stops?
○ There will be 1 or 2 control stops per stage

● How will the starting positions of each team be determined?
○ The starting position for the first day will be determined based on the result of the qualifying race that will be run the day before the start of
the challenge. The starting positions for the remaining days are determined based on the position in the overall ranking.

● What does the preliminary soft commitment look like?
○ When you are invited as a team by the organization, we would like to receive a completed application form from you. The completed return
of this application form is seen as a soft commitment.

● When is a hard commitment needed from the teams?
○ A hard commitment is expected before August 1, 2022 at the latest. If you have already made a soft commitment as a team, the organization
will automatically convert the soft commitment to a hard commitment after August 1, 2022.

● How is the internet connection in General in Oman and will control stops have
internet access? (Wi-Fi)
○ Omantrel has 5G network coverage across Muttrah and ultrafast network coverage all over the Sultanate of Oman. At all control stops Omantel will provide extra 4G or 5G network.

● Will the organization provide detailed information about the road? (i.e. coordinates after every x metres which shows data)
○ The route for the Solar Challenge Oman will be finalized before the end of august 2022. Extensive information about the route can be found on the
website from September 1st at the latest. This information will only be available to teams that have issued a hard-commitment.

● What does Sustainable Energy Events (SEE)arrange for the teams? (e.g.
food, drinks, accommodation but also a pit box, car rentals, workplace, fuel etc.)
○ SEE arranges the following for all participating teams:
■ Paddock, pit box and workplace around the headquarters.
■ Hotel accommodation based on a double room bed/breakfast from March 4 to March 11, close to the headquarters and the paddock
■ Overnight stay including breakfast and dinner during the challenge in a camp or hotel from March 12, 2023 to March 16, 2023.
■ Price giving party including dinner, drinks and overnight stay on March 17, 2023.
■ Extra hotel accommodation based on a double room bed/breakfast on March 18, 2023.
■ Roundtrip tickets depart on March 3, 2023 and return on March 19, 2023 to Oman.
■ Transport of solar car, battery and equipment with a 20ft container, in collaboration with our logistics partner, including customs formalities and costs
○ All other costs will have to be paid by the teams themselves.

● Where can the teams test their cars in the weeks before the challenge?
○ Around the headquarters, where the paddock is also located, there will be a closed circuit where the cars can be tested before qualification.
The organization will make time slots available to each participating team for this.

● How will the logistics around the event be arranged? (e.g. transport of the solar cars, transport of equipment and batteries, transport of team members + alumni,etc.)
○ Our organizing partner, Oman Sail will take care of the transport of the solar car, the battery and equipment in a 20 ft container from port to
door to oman and from door to port back to the country of origin of the team. The transport to and from the port in the home country must be
arranged by each team itself. Oman Sail will approach the teams to ensure that the transport runs smoothly and smoothly.
○ The transport of the 20 team members is arranged directly between the SEE organization and the participating team.

● To what extent do the traffic rules in Oman differ from the traffic rules in other European countries, and what are the biggest differences that should be taken into account during the challenge?
○ The traffic laws in Oman are comprehensive and strictly imposed. Speed cameras are placed every 1.2 miles (2km) in Muscat, but there’s a very generous tolerance of 11.8 mph (19kph)! Normal rules, including wearing a seat belt, not talking on a mobile phone and driving under the speed limit all apply, and Omani police enforce these laws.
○ Roundabouts are common, but the rules might be unfamiliar to you. In Oman, drivers on the inside lane always have right of way. If a driver on the inside lane is flashing their high beams at you, they’re telling you to let them get off the roundabout.
○ But no-one will gesture rudely at you or shake their fist. Even a gentle tut-tut is unheard of – because road rage is illegal. Showing any kind of anger, even mild irritation, and you will be reported to the police.
○ It’s also illegal to drive a dirty car. You need to keep it washed and buffed or face a potential on-the-spot fine of 10 Omani Rials (US$26).
○ The road conditions in Oman tend to be comparable with western countries, although camels and goats can be a driving hazard straying onto the road, especially around Muscat after dark. Stay alert because hitting a camel is a lot like hitting a brick wall and will do similar damage to your car.
○ If you’re driving away from major urban centers, take a little extra care.
The roads are slippery after rain and a sudden downpour can lead to severe flooding when normally dry riverbeds overflow onto roads.
○ Other environmental hazards to watch out are soft sand and a salty crust called sabkha which can lead to loss of vehicle control on
mountain roads.

● Will we be driving in the dark?
○ No, there will be no driving in the dark. It is the obligation of every team to be in camp before darkness falls

● Are there any toll roads on the route? How would we pass these without any problems?
○ All racing convoy are accompanied by a police escort. This escort primarily ensures the safety of the racing convoy in public traffic, but also ensures that the racing convoy can continue through any obstacles, such as toll gates or other gates that could close the road.

● How many cars are allowed to drive in a convoy? Also how many cars is advisable due to possible mobility issues?
○ The race convoy must consist of 3 cars. 1 lead car in front of the solar car, 1 solar car and 1 chase car behind the solar car. All other cars of a team are not allowed to drive in convoy on the route. All teams are expected to keep all extra cars outside the race convoy to a minimum.

● Radio communication: what are the rules and/or restrictions regarding the usage of radio communication (such as walkie talkies).
○ All cars that are part of the Solar Challenge Oman must be equipped with a vhf broadband means of communication. The equipment for this is provided by the organization

● Does the organization of the ballast material that that will be used?
○ Ballast should be provided by the teams in the form of steel shot packed in canvas bags. The approximate density of the ballast material is 5 kg per liter. Ballast of all pilots will be sealed by the organizer during scrutineering and can be rechecked at any time in the event.