When simulation virtually becomes reality

How one company is further blurring the boundaries between simulation and real-life track testing with its cutting-edge technology

James Newbold Aug 8, 2018, 11:54 AM

Engineering

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Even for the most stringent technology sceptic, the benefits of simulation in motorsport are by now well-known. As on-track testing is increasingly limited in the name of cost control, a well-optimised simulator with strong correlation to the racecar can make all the difference between challenging at the sharp end and languishing in the mid-pack.

But short of spending thousands of hours gathering data on individual component testbeds, modelling all the components that make up a modern Formula 1 powertrain and all the settings on every knob and dial to ensure it exactly matches the real car - until the next race when a minor modification renders it void - how do teams get the most from sim set-ups?

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Author James Newbold

James Newbold is Autosport's Plus Editor, responsible for coordinating website feature content.

In a sign of things to come, having completed his Politics and International Relations degree at the University of East Anglia in 2015, he left his graduation ceremony early to catch the last train to Brussels for the following day's Spa 24 Hours.

After a period as a freelancer, he joined the Autosport staff in 2018 and won the Motorsport UK young journalist of the year award. He initially edited Autosport magazine's Performance and Engineering supplements before joining the website team in his current role in 2020.

A keen enthusiast of anything that can be categorised unusual or niche, he enjoys unearthing little-known stories across all branches of motorsport, but has spent most of his career covering sportscars and is a regular part of the Le Mans 24 Hours reporting team.

He lives with his wife and children in Plymouth, England.