F2 | Prema: Antonelli's preparation on the updated simulator

The world of Formula 1 has become increasingly dependent on simulation tools, both in the design and development phases. Today, engineers use CFD to study flows and many aspects of new cars, while drivers use simulators not only to prepare for a race weekend, but also to validate updates, both in winter and during the season.

Even in the preparatory categories, the role of the simulator is becoming increasingly central in the preparation of the drivers and in deciding on the setups for the race weekend, so much so that the Formula 2 and Formula 3 teams are continuing to invest in these tools. The last to invest in a new simulator was Prema which in 2023 decided to replace the hardware by focusing on a completely new and cutting-edge device.

In fact, last year the Italian team signed an agreement for Dynisma for the creation of a new simulator based on the DMG-1 (Dynisma Motion Generator). This is the same British company that contributed to the construction of the new Ferrari simulator which came into operation in 2021 and which replaced the famous “spider”, which was based on a rather different concept from the system designed by Dynisma.

The DMG-1 cell rests on six different supports that keep it suspended in the air, instead of being supported completely on a system with two tracks as happens with other simulators, such as the Sauber one developed in collaboration with AB Dynamics. However, the core aspect revolves around the high bandwidth and low latency it has. The high bandwidth also returns a greater quantity of data to be transmitted and managed with the simulator to give the pilot more realistic and immersive sensations, while the low latency guarantees immediate responses from the system. This means that the driver can react more naturally to certain behaviors of the virtual vehicle, such as the occurrence of understeer or oversteer, or when passing over curbs and bumps, an extremely important aspect for optimizing ground clearance.

Added to this is also the integration of new software in double version, both for the old simulator and the one which should come into operation in the first months of 2024 thanks to an agreement with Cruden. As part of the evaluation process, Daniil Kvyat, who will drive the Lamborghini LMDh in the 2024 season (which in turn will have technical support from Prema Engineering), also tested the DMG-1 system with the new software, providing the Italian team with your own instructions.

The preparation of the Formula 2 drivers will therefore take place on the old simulator, which has in any case been updated with the latest software specifications but, as soon as the installation and calibration phase is completed, the new instrumentation will also be useful for experimenting with the new single-seaters of the preparatory category.

Photo by: Prema Powerteam

Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Prema Racing

According to the drivers who had the opportunity to test the 2024 car during the development phase with the FIA, the sensations and performances are comparable with those of the old generation, while what will change above all will be the work of the engineers, who will have to understand even more bottom how to extract aerodynamic load from the underside of the car. Although in the past people tried to travel low, so much so that over the years we have seen disqualifications due to excessively worn skids, at the same time with the new generation cars this aspect will be even more central.

While in Formula 3 the drivers have a few more test sessions available throughout the season, which helps them find greater confidence with the car, the test sessions dedicated to Formula 2 are very few. This year the drivers will only have three days to adapt to the new single-seater, before having to take to the track directly in Bahrain for the first test of the championship. The work behind the scenes on the simulator thus becomes even more fundamental to prepare for the season, but also to study new set-ups and new ways of using the car, especially for those, like Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who have no experience on this type of single-seater.

The Italian did not move from F3 like many of his colleagues, but made the jump directly from European Regional Formula to F2, an element that should not be underestimated. There are many aspects on which the two categories differ, such as the weight of the car and the power available, but also the aerodynamics and the physical effort necessary to extract the maximum from the single-seater. Furthermore, the Prema driver will also have to adapt to the 18-inch Pirelli tyres: although the Milanese company was also a supplier in the FRECA, there are still some different characteristics, not to mention that Antonelli has never raced with the dual compound. These are aspects that can be tested on the simulator, in order to provide a basis before arriving on the track. Naturally, Oliver Bearman will also benefit, who will still have to adapt to the new generation car after completing his debut year with the 2018 F2.

Photo by: Prema Powerteam

Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Prema Racing

Focusing on a cutting-edge simulator also brings the virtual experience closer to that of F1 teams, which are in fact updating their equipment, as in the case of Aston Martin, McLaren and Alpine. Last year Theo Pourchaire underlined that he worked intensely with the instrumentation developed by Sauber, which allowed him to gain knowledge that then also helped him in Formula 2 in qualifying performances.

Behind the scenes, other teams in the preparatory category are also investing in the equipment at their disposal. PHM Racing has updated the simulators in recent times after the collaboration with Charouz Racing System. Trident, which will make the debut of Formula 3 champion Gabriel Bortoleto this year, has a solution within the factory, while Carlin, which has since become Rodin, has two simulators in its structure: a more recent one, with projectors and a more functional base, and one with a few years behind it, useful especially for drivers who are approaching the leap towards single-seaters.