Monash Motorsport Malaysia claims historic podium at TSAE 2026

M3 Team with their win The Monash Motorsport Malaysia (M3) team is celebrating their achievement in Thailand.

Monash Motorsport Malaysia (M3) from the School of Engineering proudly represented the university at the 20th TSAE Auto Challenge 2026 – Student Formula. The event was organised by the Thailand Society of Automotive Engineers (TSAE), the national professional body for automotive engineers in Thailand, and held at Pathumthani Speedway from 5 to 7 February 2026. The international competition brings together university teams to apply classroom theories in engineering design and project management within a demanding motorsport environment.

The six-day campaign began on 3 February, when the 38-member team travelled to Thailand. After arriving and settling into their accommodation, preparations began immediately. By 4 February, the team was already at Pathumthani Speedway, unloading equipment, setting up their pits, and running brake tests and track sessions to ensure the car was competition ready.

When the official program commenced on 5 February, the team moved into the core static and technical assessments. The Cost Event, Tilt Test, brake evaluations, Technical and EV Inspection, and the Design Event demanded rigorous justification of every engineering and financial decision. The competition continued on 6 February with the Business Presentation and a full slate of dynamic events. After competing in Acceleration and Skidpad, the team tackled Autocross, a challenging course that tested handling and driver control under competitive pressure. Each run required mechanical reliability and split-second decision-making.

M3 Team on track An on-track photo of Monash Motorsport Malaysia’s car in action.

The competition culminated on 7 February with the Endurance Event, widely regarded as the ultimate assessment of performance, durability, and efficiency. Hours on track pushed both the car and the drivers to their limits before scores were finalised ahead of the prize-giving and closing ceremony.

The results marked a breakthrough moment for Monash Motorsport Malaysia:

  • 1st among all EV teams
  • 3rd Overall Ranking (ICE & EV Combined)
  • 2nd in Cost Event
  • 2nd in Design Event
  • 3rd in Efficiency
  • 4th in Autocross
  • 4th in Endurance

This achievement represents the team’s first-ever podium finish at TSAE, and a historic milestone as the first electric vehicle team in TSAE history to secure an overall podium placing.

M3 Team TSAE Win The awards achieved by the M3 team for the TSAE Auto Challenge 2026 – Student Formula.

Beyond the trophies, the result reflects a year of renewed direction. With sustained guidance and support from the School of Engineering and the Monash University Malaysia Engineering Club, the team successfully regained its momentum and returned to international competition stronger than before.

While this podium marks a significant milestone, the M3 team remains firmly focused on pushing boundaries and striving for even greater accomplishments in the future.