In recent years, simulation has become a vital part of motorsports. Today's racing simulation replicates real world racing with unreal accuracy . Formula One teams nowadays spend a lot of money on simulation and esports teams. The majority of the teams have their own esports racing team. And the spectators of F1 esports are fantastic, with a huge prize fund. But why would a Formula One team invest so much money on a game?
The answer is a bit more complex than you think. F1 drivers spend plenty of time preparing in simulation. F1 teams spend the majority of their off-season time developing race vehicles, yet formula one cars do not spend enough time on track. As a result, the teams are unable to test all of the variables such as varied wing angles, tires, and driving setups in order to fully tune the car.
Fig 1: Simulation in motosports. (Adobe stock Image)
That's when Esprorts and simulation come into play. Nowadays, the game provides nearly the same elements as an actual car, from tires to minor chassis flex. The game developers scans the track for the game using an advanced laser scanner. For some games, like the F1 series by Codemasters, a photographer captures the details of the circuit. They also collect the original blueprint for the circuit and make their own CAD design based on it. As a result, the tracks are millimetre exact, and a good force feedback wheel gives the user the sensation of realtime racing.
There are hundreds of thousands of different setups and settings in a formula car. Such as wing angle, downforce level, differentials, and much more. In the same circuit, each setup performs differently due to variations of tires and weight levels. So determining the optimum settings for a single track is a time, energy, and money-consuming procedure. To put it another way, Formula One vehicles race on 23 different circuits each year which makes it almost impossible to test everything on track. By the help of simulation , 15 modifications can be made in a matter of seconds .The majority of the team hires remote or professional eSports drivers who complete thousands upon thousands of laps. Then, by analysing the lap data, the team can forecast or decide on their strategy.
This whole esports and simulation stuff made motorsports racing significantly more competitive while offering the driver a margin of error of zero. Because the super computer is able to predict how fast the car can go as it has all of the car's data. The drivers are constantly trying to surpass the standard that has made racing more competitive than ever before.
Fig 2: F1 Esports offering more wheel to wheel racing . (Personal Collection)
The next thing which benefits more for simulation is the car development program. A key tool in the automotive and motorsport industries is lap time simulation (LTS). It is possible to do a variety of virtual studies that forecast a car's handling and performance . Which allows the teams to virtually predict lap time first and then to decide which change to make.
"It's a much more physical endeavour because of how racing games work versus traditional Esports titles." "People are surprised by the guys' athleticism," noted Ben Payne, McLaren's head of Esports (a role that reflects the growing importance of Esports in F1).In addition to reducing the stigma, the expansion of Esports is lowering some of the obstacles to entrance in motorsport. With inexperienced drivers needing significant sums just to get past go-karting and into the lowest rungs of single-seaters, simulator setups can assist unlock doors that would otherwise be slammed shut.
Esports and simulation greatly assist drivers in pushing the limits. Various F1 drivers, like Lando Norris and Max Vetstapen, regularly participate in esports and sim to test out different driving styles and to push to the maximum. Every new driver must help their team by performing well in the simulator, which saves money on track testing and provides the team with more data to design a suitable car for their drivers. Also simulation helps drivers develop the mental aspects of racing, such as focus, concentration, and race strategy.
Fig 3: 7 time world champion Lewis Hamilton testing out the Mercedes AMG motorsports simulator (Mercedes AMG Petronas Motorsports)
Simulation and esports not only assist drivers and engineers but also strategists in developing an ideal strategy. Simulators enable teams to test and fine-tune plans without having to be on the track physically. To optimise their race strategy, drivers can simulate various scenarios, tire choices, and pit stop strategies. Weather factors and tire rubber buildup cause track changes over time. Simulators assist strategists and drivers in keeping up with these changes. It also provides significant data about car performance, allowing teams to make clever adjustments.
Fig 4: Strategist Can set up an Ideal strategy for race with the help of simulation (The Chequered Flag)
Simulations contribute to the development of new motorsport technology and innovations, including hybrid powertrains and aerodynamic advances. It also makes motorsport more accessible to a wider audience by allowing the future drivers to practise and compete in virtual racing tournaments. Simulators are often used in esports and virtual racing events to link viewers to the sport and add an extra degree of engagement. Motorsports is a risky sport. simulation allows drivers to practise high-risk circumstances or emergency procedures without exposing themselves to real-world risks.
Fig 4:The simulator aids in the discovery of new talented drivers. (Scuderia Ferrari)
In the high-octane world of motorsports, simulation technology has transformed the way teams prepare, strategize, and compete. From virtual circuits to data-rich environments, simulators have become indispensable tools for drivers, engineers, and strategists alike. As the engines roar and tires screech on the actual track, it’s the hours spent in virtual cockpits that often make the crucial difference. So next time you witness a thrilling race, remember that behind those heart-pounding moments lies a digital realm where simulations shape champions and fuel dreams.
References :
1)Hancox, J. (2022, September 19). The Key Differences between F1 Esports and F1. OverTake. https://www.overtake.gg/top-lists-galleries/top-list/f1-esports-vs-real-life-formula-1-how-are-they-different/
2)Quinn, N. (2023, September 16). How one esports series takes car upgrades as seriously as F1. The Race. https://www.the-race.com/gaming/how-one-esports-series-takes-car-upgrades-as-seriously-as-f1/
3) McDougall, F. (2023, August 12). The growing importance of simulation in motorsport. Game Is Hard. https://gameishard.gg/news/how-racers-are-simulating-their-way-to-success/20895/
4) The importance of simulation in motorsport – Formula 1. (n.d.). https://formula-1.co.uk/the-importance-of-simulation-in-motorsport/
5)Farmer, G. (2022, January 31). Engineering the advantage, driver-in-the-loop simulation in motorsport. https://www.ansiblemotion.com/engineering-the-advantage-driver-in-the-loop-simulation-in-motorsport
6) Race Car Simulation - RCD - Your race engineering resource. (2016, January 2). Racing Car Dynamics - Your Uncomplicated Resource to Race Engineering. http://racingcardynamics.com/race-car-simulation/
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