The ITS Sapuangin Team successfully won first place in the Urban Concept Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) On-Track car race at the Lusail International Circuit, Qatar

ITS Campus, ITS News — The Sapuangin Team of Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS) has once again made a brilliant achievement by winning three consecutive years in the Shell Eco-marathon (SEM) Asia Pacific and the Middle East 2025. Relying on the latest urban car, the Sapuangin XI EVO 4, the team set a new record in the Urban Concept Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) category in the on-trac race held at the Lusail International Circuit, Qatar.

This prestigious competition was attended by 16 countries from the Asia Pacific and Middle East regions, with Indonesia as the largest participant, sending 16 teams. The ITS Sapuangin Team successfully passed the technical inspection stage which ensured that the car met safety standards, technical specifications, and other requirements set by the organizer. This success opened up opportunities for the team to compete in live racing sessions on the circuit track.

In the on-track race, participating teams tested the fuel efficiency of their vehicles. This competition is divided into two main categories, namely Urban Concept and Prototype, each of which is further classified into three types of energy, namely Internal Combustion Engine (ICE), Battery-Electric, and Hydrogen Fuel Cell. In addition to the track test, each car was also assessed in the off-track race based on aspects of design, data, emissions, safety, and technical innovation.

Sapuangin XI EVO 4 car during technical inspection stage

External Relations of the Sapuangin ITS team, Daffantara Notarizhenko, revealed that Sapuangin XI EVO 4 managed to take first place in the on-track category with fuel consumption reaching 513 kilometers per liter. This figure surpassed the previous record which only reached 482 kilometers per liter. “This achievement is a new record for us in the event held in the capital city of Qatar,” said the student who is familiarly called Jeko.

With the victory in the on-track category, Sapuangin XI EVO 4 advanced to the next stage, namely the Regional Championship. In this round, the Sapuangin ITS team will face the top three from each fuel category in the Urban Concept. “We will compete again in the Regional Championship against the other best teams in the same category,” added Jeko.

However, luck has not been on their side to defend the Regional Championship title this year. General Manager of the Sapuangin ITS team, Yudhistira Kahar, revealed that the team faced technical obstacles at the beginning of the race, coupled with strong wind conditions that were not supportive. “Even so, we still retain the Urban Concept ICE champion title and set a new record,” he said.

The Sapuangin XI EVO 4 car being taken to the Lusail International Circuit, Qatar

Not only excelling in on-track racing, the ITS Sapuangin team also achieved achievements in off-track competitions. This team won first place in the Vehicle Design category and second place in the Data and Telemetry category. “We brought new innovations by using carbon composite processed from used shipping box wood on the steering wheel, which contributed to our victory,” explained the ITS Mechanical Engineering Department student.

This success cannot be separated from the prayers and support of various parties who continue to motivate the team to give their best performance. Continuous evaluation and research are the keys for the ITS Sapuangin team to continue to innovate. “We hope to maintain the championship title, achieve new achievements in various categories, and continue to develop energy-efficient vehicle technology in the future,” he said.

Sapuangin XI EVO 4 while driving on the Lusail International Circuit, Qatar

Although this was their first experience competing on the Lusail circuit, the team managed to overcome various challenges. Adapting to the new track, weather conditions, and technical obstacles at the start of the race did not dampen their spirits. With hard work and full support, the ITS Sapuangin team successfully scored a hat-trick of Urban Concept ICE champions and set a new proud record.

Through their participation and achievements, the ITS Sapuangin team has contributed in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This energy-efficient vehicle team supports the implementation of SDG 7, namely Affordable and Clean Energy, SDG 9 in the form of Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, and SDG 12, namely Responsible Consumption and Production by prioritizing resource efficiency and reducing exhaust emissions. (ITS PUBLIC RELATIONS)

Reporter: Syahidan Nur Habibie Ash-Shidieq