Using a Database in Racing — A look at Formula One Telemetry Software

Racing teams have been making use of unique“two way” telemetry and was banned by
database designs for a number of years tothe FIA in 2003, but the technology still exists and
improve their speed, performance and accuracy.may find its way back onto the racetrack.  If
 you own a team, it’s a good idea to keep
Some programs are used to reduce the amountyour database updated in anticipation that the
of time that it takes to get the design from thetechnology will eventually be used again.
drawing board to the race track.  Others areThe right programs can help you evaluate how
used to calculate the fastest potential lap time oftalented your drivers actually are.  If your drivers
a specific vehicle and ensure that the care iscannot make the potential lap times that the
properly tuned.  Formula One telemetryengineers say are possible, then you may need a
software, for example, is used for those andnew team.
other purposes.The ultimate goal is to win, because that’s
The electronic systems are able to collect andwhere your profits come from.  By using
interpret a vast amount of data from eachavailable electronics to evaluate the reliability of
race.  Some of the data collected includesyour vehicles, you can avoid expensive accidents
information about the temperature of the tiresand further increase your profits.
and the engine, the speed of the wheels and theFormula One telemetry software of the
performance or displacement of the suspension.“two-way” type developed out of the
Teams often make acceleration speeds the focusolder TAG technology, which was used in the
of their database, but, as you can see, there areearly nineties.  Then, as it is today, the main
many other things to consider.  If your businesselement that made everything work was the
is racing, you need to consider every aspect ofaccuracy of the data collected during the testing
the business, from design to production. and the races.
Reliability of the cars and the safety of yourSo, basically, it is the accuracy of your database
drivers should major considerations, as well.that is most important.  If you aren’t taking
Formula One telemetry software allowed teamsadvantage of the latest technology, you
to change engine mapping and deactivate specificaren’t winning as many races as other teams
sensors from the pits, while the cars were on thethat are.
track.  The technology was referred to as