Future of Motorsport with UniPV

A long-standing collaboration between Skydrive and the University of Pavia has evolved into much more than an educational program: it has created a thriving ecosystem of relationships, professionals, and companies driving innovation in motorsport. Its greatest asset? The students themselves: young professionals entering the motorsport industry with fresh perspectives, boundless energy, and no preconceived limitations.

As the seventh edition of the Post-Bachelor’s Vocational Program in Car Testing and Race Engineering (MCTRE) comes to an end—with final test sessions at the Vairano Automotive Safety Center and the last classroom lectures—it marks another milestone in a partnership that began in 2018.

From the very beginning, the Master’s program naturally extended beyond the classroom into track activities, where theory meets practice and where Skydrive’s expertise finds its ideal environment.

Skydrive’s technical know-how, experience, and applied research capabilities have been fundamental to this collaboration. At the same time, the University of Pavia has contributed the academic rigor and scientific excellence of one of Europe’s leading universities, together with a broad network of professionals and companies surrounding its ecosystem.

This network—where Skydrive acts as a bridge to the motorsport world—has provided students with the opportunity to work alongside top-level drivers during track testing sessions. From emerging talents competing in Formula Regional and Formula 4, such as Emanuele Olivieri and Jacopo Martinese, to internationally recognized professionals including David Fumanelli, Matteo Cairoli, and two-time WEC Champion and Ferrari factory driver Alessio Rovera.

Over the years, this partnership has continuously enriched the educational offering while also generating new research and development opportunities. More importantly, it has fostered lasting professional relationships that continue to create value across the industry.

A Unique Learning Experience

Today, the MCTRE program stands as a leading educational pathway for highly specialized professionals entering the automotive and motorsport sectors.

What makes it unique is its ability to combine rigorous theoretical foundations with hands-on experience. Alongside lectures and technical workshops, students participate in track testing sessions, professional driving courses, and simulator activities.

Training takes place across multiple locations—the University of Pavia, the Vairano Automotive Safety Center, and Skydrive’s headquarters in Monza—ensuring students gain a comprehensive understanding of both theory and its practical application.

At the end of the program, students complete internships that allow them to immediately apply the knowledge acquired throughout the course. Several participants have carried out these internships directly at Skydrive.

Un primo passo nel mondo del lavoro e del motorsport da una parte, una preziosa risorsa dall’altra

The Students: Tomorrow’s Motorsport Engineers

At the end of the program, students complete internships that allow them to immediately apply the knowledge acquired throughout the course. Several participants have carried out these internships directly at Skydrive.

For students, this represents an opportunity to enter a highly specialized motorsport environment and gain privileged exposure to teams, drivers, and cutting-edge research projects. For Skydrive, it means collaborating with highly motivated young engineers—many of whom demonstrate exceptional talent and strong potential for future success.

Some students have continued their journey at Skydrive beyond their internships, transforming academic projects into real-world motorsport applications.

Their contributions have ranged from neural networks and artificial intelligence—long before AI became mainstream, as early as 2020—to innovative mathematical models for tire analysis.

Their ideas, passion, and technical expertise have played a crucial role in advancing new approaches to vehicle dynamics and driver-centered simulation, perfectly aligned with the AVEHIL philosophy, where the human element remains at the core.

Today, many former students hold key positions across international motorsport categories, including Formula 1, Formula 2, Formula 3, Formula 4, Formula Regional, WEC, and GT World Challenge, working for leading teams such as Red Bull, Toro Rosso, PREMA, and Trident.

Building an Ecosystem of Innovation

Another key outcome of the collaboration with the University has been the creation of an extensive network of knowledge, expertise, and partnerships.

The integration of Skydrive’s industrial connections with the University’s academic ecosystem has often brought together ideas and professionals, transforming challenges into solutions.

Partnerships have developed not only with racing teams and drivers but also with industry leaders such as Pirelli, Aviorace, and Marelli—the latter becoming both an educational partner of the Master’s program and a provider of advanced technologies.

Since last year, valuable collaborations with Korus Group and Tatuus have enabled students to conduct track activities using a Tatuus T-318 Formula 3 car, built according to the latest FIA standards, featuring carbon-fiber monocoque construction and Halo safety systems.

Not bad for a university program.

With the support of the Vairano Automotive Safety Center, virtually any research project has become possible: tire testing, aerodynamic mapping, sensor validation, suspension development, and testing on production vehicles.

A clear example of this synergy is represented by the simulation classes held at Skydrive’s headquarters inside the Monza National Circuit. Students have direct access to Skydrive’s AVEHIL Formula and GT simulators, allowing them to develop mathematical models, validate them, and perform real-world testing.

Looking Ahead

Perhaps the greatest value of this collaboration lies in witnessing the transformation of students into professionals.

The moment when theory becomes practice.

When simulation becomes reality.

When passion becomes a career.

And for everyone involved, that journey continues to be an extraordinary source of learning, innovation, and inspiration.