Potentialities of driving simulator for engineering applications to Formula 1

This article describes the results of a study that used a driving simulator to analyze the engineering problems in the design and improvement of a Formula 1 or competition circuit and for the optimization of the pilots’ race performances. The authors reproduced the physical and mechanical characteristics of a competition vehicle in the driving simulator and used the urban circuit of Rome, Italy for the simulated test track. The circuit is 6056 m long, the maximum longitudinal slope is 3.5% and the curve radii are between 8 and 400 m. Two professional pilots drove for the tests. During the tests the authors observed an average speed of the best lap compatible with the speeds observed in analogous urban circuits. After the tests the time histories of longitudinal speed, longitudinal and transversal acceleration were analyzed, as were the vehicle trajectory and lateral displacement on both average and best laps. The authors also used a two-dimensional approach to investigate the rate between used and available friction. The authors conclude that the simulator is promising for the geometric optimization of the circuit as well as for the pilot (driver) training.