Bhai Tech simulator, science applied to the track

The world of racing is increasingly linked to technology. However, there are studies and projects that stand out in particular and the Bhai Tech Vehicle Science Center is undoubtedly one of these. Born by Ferdinando Bada in June 2012, this center located in the province of Padua promises to become a point of reference for driver training and car development in the new millennium. A structure in which pilots can train under the supervision of special experts, who take care not only of their technical preparation, but also their physical and mental preparation. Led by general manager Keith Parmar, we had the opportunity to visit and experience this truly impressive facility.

The flagship of this facility, of course, is the innovative 6-DOF driving simulator, developed in collaboration with the Dutch company Cruden BV (one of the largest in this sector). Entering the room of this simulator, as you can see in our service, is like having access to the astronaut training center at NASA. We find ourselves in front of a platform positioned on numerous pistons, whose task is obviously to move and make the driving experience as realistic as possible. The entire device is capable of reproducing almost all the physical events associated with a lap on the track. Practically the only thing that cannot be imitated is the effect of G force, for obvious reasons. Apart from this, we find ourselves in front of a true jewel of technology, positioned in front of an imposing screen with high resolution projectors which boasts an extension of 210°, a width of 8 meters and a height of 3. All to make the pilot's experience is immersive.

The software developed by Bhai Tech is as accurate as possible, having been hardwired to data from the various motorsport teams connected to the company. On the simulator it is possible to race on all the European circuits of the Formula 1 championship (the only exception being the Nürburgring), together with Singapore, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain and Sepang. The hope is that this technology can replace all those tests that recent regulation changes in the racing world are increasingly reducing. At the moment we have only been able to see the structure for the simulation of single-seaters, but this is interchangeable and the Gran Turismo version is already being prepared and, in the future, also those for other classes, including a variant with which the same road car manufacturers they could test their new ideas before actually producing them in their factories.

In short, the future of Formula 1 and motorsport in general is increasingly technological. Now it's starting to become practically virtual.