F1 "space map" concept

A little off topic, but Ross once before commented about being unsettled by how chatty Schumi is on the radio while putting in hot laps.

 

I have always wondered about the space map concept when they used to show the displays of where everybody is on the track. I always wondered, whether that was just based on calculations using the S/F line or whether that was real live data. Apparently they seem to know where the cars are although I don't really see how that works, unless it is differential GPS.

About MS tweaking the buttons: We heard that before and I can imagine him doing that in a hot qualifying lap where he has to squeeze every bit of time out of it. However if you watch him on the in board camera you rarely see him (or anybody else) tweak anything. They adjust brake bias with depleting fuel amounts, but not much else me thinks.

 

This is interesting and also amazing how the gps data can be used to make adjustments on the car on milliseconds basis going into a corner or exiting a corner. Is this done by the driver or computer? This must not be the same satellite gps we are familiar with as delays are enormous to communicate with the satellite. I still don't see how it is possible. But if it is possible through some local cellular base network it may be illegal since they make those adjustments through the computer especially if differential and brake are being tweaked. Isn't that technically traction control in conjunction with something else that controls the car's behavior...

 

Another question I have pertains to whether this is constantly in use during the race, only during qualifying, or toggled on/off in relation to racing situations. On an open track, when an all-out run is needed, it would be pretty simple to program something like that. However, racing situations are very fluid, which leads to variable racing lines, changing entry/exit speeds and so on. That would seem pretty difficult to program for.

 

Would it be possible for you to scan this article and upload it on to the internet?

Thanks

 

I would agree with your guess, but it still doesn't explain it fully: The point of this system is to squeeze out the last ounce of performance from the car by tweaking it in certain ways. That requires a high degree of precision in where the car is on the track. However the approach you mention lacks precisely that precision.

Even differential GPS still has a resolution of about 2 meters I believe, so it would still be a crude approximation for breaking points, apex etc.

I can't help it but think this is hype. It makes more sense to me to build traction control and other goodies into the engine management etc and feed the board computer by sensors already in the car. I might be wrong, but it reminds a lot of the speculation mid season about Renault's secret launch control that "senses" the lights change etc. whereas Ross Brawn once commented he believed that one to be "simply" the sum of all the parts of a great design.

 

I've read the article too and it sounded very convincing to me. Why would Ross Brawn make something up like that at all? That doesn't make sense to me.

 

To send the competition into the wrong direction.

If you read the complex response from tdf360's friend one realizes how much effort and resources it would cost to build such a system. If Ferrari's competition tries to do that, they'd be busy for the winter without getting anywhere.

 

I spoke to a couple of friends today morning who are involved with F1 and they were not willing to disclose too much information. This makes me think that there is some truth to the article.

However, I too have my doubts about the degree to which such technology exists and is used. It has been known that after 2000 Ferrari developed several new technical devices with development partners such as Infenion Technologies, Acer, Magneti Marelli, Momo and Bridgestone.

These were the break throughs in electronics development that gave Ferrari the edge in tight situations. It is very possible that this "space map" concept is one of them.

 

did the article specifically say it was satellite based positioning?

there are plenty of ways to do this in a constrained geography like a race track without a satellite.

never mind that they could perhpaps (perhaps) do it on dead reckoning if the feedback re: wheel angle and speedometer were accurate enough, right? once a lap you could re-sync with a local or satellite triangulation?

doesn't seem that impossible - just money.

though i think it's cheating

doody

 

hmm, if it were an article in Autosport I could understand your point. But Top Gear magazine?

My impression from the article was that they don't use the system to be up to date constantly, rather get some presets for every corner and then work from there (with the manettinos). Also when conditions change, Schuey changes the settings and these changes are recorded into the space mapping for the next time around.

Reminds me of the button "SC". That's probably a preset for a Safety Car situation, correct?

 

In this interpretation it would make sense to me and sound believable. But it also means that it isn't that revolutionary either.

 

Gary,

Please shoot me a copy, I may be able to reduce and post it.

Matt