Ground Force Project is a team participating in the F1 in Schools international challenge. Each team must design an F1 balsa car model carrying as many aerodynamic features as possible. Teams, also, have to raise a reasonable amount of money from sponsors, which will be used to cover expenses. Ground Force Project was initially formed back in 2011 by 17-year old students of S. Avgoulea Linardatou
Private School with interest in F1 racing and knowledge in the fields of Aerodynamics, Management and Engineering Design. The outcome was rather remarkable as we managed to win the 1st place in the Greek competition that year. The members consisting GFP in its first form were the following: Gkirgkis Akis, Grigoropoulos Jason, Karagiannidis Apostolos, Lazarou Cleopatra, Seretakis George and Vanikiotis Nick. In 2012, we decided to participate again in the F1 in schools competition but with a partially different form. Talented students were chosen to join the new team and undertake necessary responsibilities. “GFP” was able to maintain its consistency and work productively. Particularly, after coming 1st for a second consecutive year in the National Finals, we acquired the right to represent Greece in the World Finals. In October 2012 we travelled to Yas Marina, in Abu Dhabi and for the first time represented Greece in the history of the competition. Once again, the outcome was remarkable, as we won the Best Newcomer Award and the Best Use of Social Media Award, achieved the 9th best track time in the world, reaching the final triad for the Best Website Award. The members of the new team were the following: Gkirgkis Akis, Grigoropoulos Jason, Krimitzas Kostas, Nikolaou Chris, Paligiannis Marios and Tsoukala Helen. Before the World Finals,due to their loaded schedule, Kostas Krimitzas and Eleni Tsoukala decided to leave the team. For the third year in a row, in 2013, Ground Force Project took part in the competition. Our previous year's success in the World Finals raised our expectations and the new members participated with greater enthusiasm and passion, trying to continue the legacy of the previous teams. The Greek Championship came to its end in June 2013 and our team came 2nd, a position which gave us the right to once again participate in the 2013 World Finals. Representing the greek colors in Texas, we finished 11th in the total ranking and we were also nominated for the Research & Development Award, as well as the Marketing and Sponsorships Award. This year's team members were (in alphabetical order): Andritsaki Natasha, Grigiropoulos Jason, Doudos Panagiotis, Meimetis Nikos and Nikolopoulos Gregory. Before the World Finals, due to his loaded schedule Panagiotis Doudos decided to leave the team. Ground Force Project currently holds one of the best positions for Greece and Cyprous in the total ranking. (WF 2013, Austin-TX, 11th position)
