Ferrari’s first online virtual simulator revealed at the Italian GP at Monza.
The virtual simulator, developed in collaboration with Scuderia Ferrari drivers, Alonso, Massa and Fisichella, as well as its engineers, enables enthusiasts to virtually experience all the sensations of driving an F10. It allows aficionados from all over the world to compete with each other on the Fiorano circuit, for the first release, and subsequently Mugello and Nürburgring. The Ferrari Virtual Academy is the only virtual simulator for PCs that faithfully reproduces the F10, the single-seater that competes in the Formula One World Championship.
The challenge of the Ferrari Virtual Academy was to create a version of the simulator used for training Scuderia Ferrari’s drivers which everyone can use on their own PC. Starting from an analysis of authentic data from the car, the aerodynamic effects, tire characteristics and behavior of the chassis-suspension system and engine have been reproduced, as well as all elements of the transmission.
Ferrari’s 15-person development team spent 12,000 hours, the use of 3D graphics technology and data processing that has been used for the first time on a product of this type to create this program. Ferrari drivers who tested the original simulator and optimized its performance assisted them. The simulator faithfully reproduces the cockpit and steering wheel of the F10, thus revealing all its controls and functionality.
By studying the videos filmed by the drivers wearing helmets fitted with cameras, which captured the stresses of the track and the G forces that the driver is subjected, the team was able to recreate the tension that the neck muscles are subjected to when driving an F1 racecar.
The dynamic modeling of the car was followed by a comparison of the real and virtual telemetric data of the F10 on circuits reproduced through laser scanning. Analysis of the simulated laps, turn after turn, enabled targeted interventions to refine the dynamic behavior and achieve a driving experience and response to controls with the utmost realism and fidelity. This was also made possible thanks to the physics engine, which, working at a frequency of 1000 Hz, calculates all the forces that act on the car every millisecond as well as their effect on the ride.
Every aficionado will be able to record their own time online, taking part in an international tournament that will reward the highest-ranking virtual drivers with Ferrari products every week. At the end of the tournament, following the regulation of the competitions, the five drivers ranked as fastest will win a trip to Maranello, the heart of Ferrari. They will pass through the gates of Fiorano and take part in the exclusive Ferrari Driver Academy course.
For more information about Ferrari’s Virtual Academy simulator, please visit www.ferrarivirtualacademy.com
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