Page II: Dieter Gundel, head of racetrack electronics at Ferrari, delves into the nuts and bolts which make Formula 1 star Michael Schumacher hum.
What is the ratio of computer simulations compared with testing that still needs to be done in real life, out on the track?
It is difficult to say. As far as functionality is concerned, we increase our simulation efforts day by day because it is a lot cheaper than building parts or writing control software and trying it on the car. Obviously, there are areas like reliability and interaction with other functions where there is no way to bypass the real thing -- which is testing it on the car. But while the contribution of simulation is still increasing, we are not reducing our normal testing at all. We just do much more.
How long does a simulation take?
This also depends. If we take simulation of changes to control strategies (traction control, for example), these simulations are done nearly online between two runs of the cars -- i.e., in a matter of seconds. Other simulations (like aerodynamic simulations) can take hours and are normally prepared before a race weekend,
We are not using wireless networking at the circuit and at the factory yet because we are not satisfied with the security.
Using more powerful systems ... will reduce our simulation times. At a race weekend, this means we can do simulation between runs that (previously) had to be done at night after the race or back in Italy before the next event. The more powerful our computers get, the more simulation will become a real-time tool and the more prepared our cars will be when they leave the garage for the next run.
How do you ensure that McLaren-Mercedes or other racing teams cannot access the data?
For our company network we run the highest degree of protection, both at the factory and the track. We are not using wireless networking at the circuit and at the factory yet because we are not satisfied with the security. All our laptops that leave the factory with critical data have encrypted hard disks. Our telemetry traffic from the car to the garage is encrypted as well.
How much influence does IT have in the development of a new race car?
Well, as mentioned before, all design work is done using CAD and CAM tools. The structural and kinematical analysis is entirely computer-based, so I would assume that there can't be any bigger influence than this.
What influence does computer technology have on the choice of race strategy?
Computer technology has a huge influence. All our strategy decisions are based on computer simulations of the event. We have parameters as a result of pre-event simulations that decide our basic strategy decisions, obviously together with the Friday/Saturday performance. This race strategy is then updated in real time with the progress of the race and new options derived. Clearly not everything can be done by strategy software, but at least this software can give a good base for the spontaneous decisions that have to be made by race engineers.
How do you make sure that IT doesn't pose a problem during the race?
The keyword for us is redundancy and fallback solutions. We practice a fallback of our operation down to the level of data transport between machines using USB sticks, just to be prepared for the worst. The other point is one of the main principles of (Formula 1) operation: Never make the same mistake twice. We therefore respond to all problems with a fix, either by improving components or the structure or by stepping back to a less performance-focused but safe scenario.
Have there been mishaps that were caused by IT?
No, not yet. Clearly the level of excitement increases if we have to switch to back-up solutions, but right now we are able to handle all foreseeable situations.
What role does IT play in the car itself?
The car is controlled by software. We have onboard systems control wherever the regulation allows us to intervene and, as important, wherever we find a benefit. Engine control is the obvious example. Gearbox control to allow shift times on the scale of 10 milliseconds is another example. Then there is the area of traction control, to name another important one. Drive-by-wire (throttle control) and clutch-by-wire are other important controls. And there is much more, such as driver information system and driver interface, plus the before-mentioned telemetry and data logging. ASR (acceleration slip regulation) is banned by regulations, as are fully automatic shifts and launch control.
Is more speed possible with more sophisticated electronics?
We would prefer to speak in lap time rather than speed because the highest speed doesn't mean the fastest lap. However, the simple answer is: yes. Take the control software mentioned above and you understand what central role software functionality plays concerning the car performance.
How have the employed IT systems changed within the last few years?
They have changed from auxiliary tools to essential parts of the operation. Just as an example: Some years ago the car would have been sent out without data logging working if there was a problem. Today the car will not leave the garage if data logging is not OK. There is no point in running the car without the IT-based tools operation operating at an optimum level.
Dietmar Mueller of ZDNet Germany reported from Munich.
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It's good that IT performs a great role on Ferrari's Team... the only thing I I dislike is that they're using a MS based OS... I thought they were using Mac's or Sun systems...
Well... nobody is perfect! :)