Motorsport Academy

Goal

In Formula 1, as in any other Motorsport category, Performance Engineering plays a key role in exploiting the maximum lap time and reliability performance of the race car. 

To achieve this, the Performance Engineer must be knowledgeable about all areas of the car and interact with several stake holders within the team, including power unit engineers, designers and aerodynamicists, with the goal of influencing future car design and enhancing development of suspension, brakes, power unit, cooling and aerodynamics, to name only a few.

This course provides a deep dive into the main tasks of a Performance Engineer in the setting of Formula 1 team, covering systems, metrics, simulation, and activities occurring prior, during and after race events.

A number of industry-relevant case studies are covered in order to put into practice the theory behind the course content and to provide robust learning outcomes, based on years of experience.

Finally, students will be challenged with a final assignment in which they will analyse data, assess metrics, calculate parameters and propose improvements and setups modifications.

Upon successful course completion, each student will receive an official Motorsport Engineer certificate. All students are free to interact with the instructor, benefit from industry networking opportunities, professional recommendations and advice.

Syllabus

• Introduction to Performance Engineering in Formula 1.
• Objectives and tasks of a Performance Engineer.
• Sensors, vehicle model and data reconstruction.
• Assessment of simulations and metrics to define and optimise car setup.
• Electronic maps: a fine adjustment tool.
• Performance Engineering data analysis, metric calculation, driver performance and identification of limitations.
  • Case study 1: Balance limitation mid corner understeer.
  • Case study 2: Bottoming limitation.
  • Case study 3: Wind balance limitation.
  • Case study 4: Rear wing test.
  • Case study 5: Front suspension test.

• Reliability – Identification of issues.
• Importance of balance, aerodynamics and ride. 
  • Case study 6: through corner balance adjustment with ARB geometry.

• Assignment: Data analysis, calculations and setup proposal and improvement.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

1. Become conversant with the trackside and factory Performance Engineering role.
2. Understand what the main systems of the car relevant to Performance Engineering are, together with sensors and their effect on the vehicle model data output.
3. Design, critique and assess pre-event, event, and post event activities to maximise performance through car setup and reliability studies.
4. Analyse data and provide scientific evidence to take solid decisions critical to performance.
5. Demonstrate an ability to identify balance limitations and issues with the car.
6. Use the techniques and methods learned during the course to optimise balance to maximise performance.

This course is for you if...

• are a student or professional with interest in vehicle dynamics and trackside engineering.
• are a motorsport professional and want to learn about the specifics of Performance Engineering techniques, methods and tasks in F1.
• want to start a career in Performance Engineering.