Top Dutch Solar Racing will take pole position when the world's fastest solar cars leave Darwin to race 3,000 kilometres to Adelaide.
The 2019 World Solar Challenge starts from Darwin's State Square on Sunday morning, with the leading teams expected to glide across the finish within days.
Top Dutch Solar Racing earned the right to lead the field away with the fastest lap and a record time in qualifying at the Hidden Valley race circuit in Darwin on Saturday.
The World Solar Challenge has been held biannually since 1987, promoting sustainability and providing a boost for the NT and SA economies. Source: Facebook/Top Dutch Solar Racing
The team's Green Lightning car completed the lap in 1 minute 51.99 seconds, to shave two seconds of the previous best.
Sonnenwagen Aachen of Germany finished second, seven seconds behind with Japanese team Kogakuin about a second further back in third.
Defending champions, and still considered the race favourites, the Vattenfall Solar Team from the Netherlands finished in eighth spot, with a time almost 20 seconds off the pace.
But after a crash in trials earlier this week its NunaX car still posted a time four seconds faster than it managed four years ago.
Event Director Chris Selwood said Top Dutch Solar Racing had been rewarded for their exceptional teamwork and attention to detail.
'The team have clearly been diligent in their preparation and I expect to see them in the mix of this hotly contested field, with any number of teams capable of crossing the finish first in Adelaide," he said.
"However, it's not the start of this event, but the finish line that's the key and 3000 kilometres is a long way."
Event Director Chris Selwood said Top Dutch Solar Racing had been rewarded for their exceptional teamwork and attention to detail. Source: Facebook/Top Dutch Solar Racing
The World Solar Challenge has been held biannually since 1987, promoting sustainability and providing a boost for the NT and SA economies.
"We know that high profile events increase visitation, support local businesses and ultimately strengthen our economy," NT Sports Minister Lauren Moss said.
"We welcome teams, supporters and spectators from around Australia and the world to the Top End and wish competitors all the very best for the 2019 race."
As they make their way to Adelaide, teams with pass through checkpoints at Katherine, Daly Waters, Tennant Creek, Barrow Creek, Alice Springs, Kulgera, Coober Pedy, Glendambo and Port Augusta on their journey to Adelaide.
