May 16, 2002. Copyright, 2002, Graphic News. All rights reserved

F1 satellite support

By Elisabeth Ribbans

LONDON, May 16, Graphic News: Formula OneÕs need for speed has found its latest instrument thousands of miles above the earth. In a bid to accelerate and magnify the flow of information that is transmitted between the race circuit and team headquarters during race weekend, richer outfits (such as Ferrari, McLaren, Renault and Williams) have added satellite technolog to their techniciansÕ Òtool kitsÓ.

Until recently, essential data about the performance of a racing car during practice and qualifying wa relayed to HQ-based engineers and analysts by telephone, fax and analogue modem. Once they had done their calculations, any instructions for adjustments to the carÕs set-up would be sent back via the same routes. But by employing satellite-based communications systems -- available 24 hours a day, anywhere in the world -- teams can transmit more information, faster, with greater reliability.

Swiss-based Sauber Petronas, the latest team to adopt a complete satellite communication system (introduced  for this seasonÕs Grand Prix in Hockenheim), wonders how they ever managed before. Technical director Willy Rampf says his home crew at Hinwil receive Ò15 times more data at 16 times the speedÓ, giving them the time and statistics to conduct more extensive tests. The result: more precise solutions delivered much more quickly.
ÒYou are soon spoilt by this kind of system,Ó says Willy Rampf. ÒWe get all data from all sessions, rather than the selected data that came before, which certainly makes our job much easier.Ó

Every team is looking to improve its car set-up throughout the season -- not just between races, but between the Friday and the Sunday. The Plenexis satellite communications network used by Sauber Petronas helps the team produce the optimum car in the following way: sensors inside the vehicle record data about the engine and chassis -- such as engine temperature, hydraulic pressure and brake stability -- which is then stored in the carÕs ECU (engine control unit). A small proportion of this information will, as before, be transmitted by microwave Òburst telemetryÓ each time the car passes the pits.  However, most of the data will be downloaded onto the teamÕs track-side server at the end of each session. From there it is bounced up to a satellite and down to the server at Hinwil.
Rampf offers an example of what might happen next: ÒSay the car is performing badly over the bumps in practice. We can use the readings to define new spring and damper settings, which we then simulate on the test rig at Hinwil. When weÕre happy, weÕll beam the new settings back to the crew at the circuit.Ó
One key benefit of the swift satellite system is that Hinwil receives rapid information on the exact mileage of various components, allowing headquarters to order replacements immediately, rather than waiting until the car returns after its Sunday race.

ÒAlso weÕve often needed to send detailed technical drawings across to the race track,Ó explains Rampf. ÒThese used to be faxed across, which meant they were not always too clear. Now the racing teams get all the fine detail.Ó

As well as using the satellite system for transmitting vehicle data, the technicians use the connection for email, internet and telephony. 

By Sunday morning, there are no excuses for anything short of a perfect set-up. ÒIn a few yearsÕ time, I think every team will be using satellite communications,Ó says Rampf. ÒItÕs like having an always-open line between the racetrack and the base. ItÕs indispensable.Ó

Sources: Sauber Petronas, Plenexis.