Sikat II completes World Solar Challenge

The Philippine solar car Sikat II crossed the finish line of the 2011 World Solar Challenge in Adelaide, Australia, at around 11:40 a.m. (Philippine time), completing its grueling 3,000-km sojourn across the Outback:





View The Journey of Sikat II in the World Solar Challenge 2011 in a larger map



The car was then paraded and led to the ceremonial finish line Victoria Square, where Team Solar Philippines was eagerly welcomed and congratulated by Department of Education Secretary Bro. Armin Luistro and Philippine Consul General to Australia Reynaldo Juanta. They were joined by representatives from Adelaide's Filipino community, as well as by Filipino students and well-wishers from across the country.



"We're very proud of the Philippine team. Unlike other cars, ours is not just sun powered, it is also Pinoy powered," Luistro said in an interview with GMA News Online.

According to Luistro, Filipinos across Australia have been rallying support for Sikat II throughout its journey, with people waving flags along the route and at designated control points.



Sikat II started the race in the 32nd out of 37 slots on October 16, but rallied to the 20th spot as of yesterday, October 22, besting rivals from the US, the UK, Germany, Saudi Arabia, and Canada, among others.



This was in spite of delays caused by a fire that hit Sikat II's battery on Tuesday.



Sikat II's final overall performance will be computed tonight and the final ranking will be announced in an official ceremony tomorrow evening, October 23. — LBG, GMA News