New Developments in Motorsport Engineering

Who holds the speed record in a Formula 1 car? The Honda RA106 is the fastest, with a top speed of 397.36 km/h. The record was set at the Bonneville Salt Flats in the US while trying to break the 400 km/h mark. Despite the unsuccessful run, motorsport engineers are constantly innovating to create better cars and engines. 

With an MSc Motorsport Engineering degree from the University of Bolton, you can be the missing link to them achieving their target. Here are the new developments in motorsport engineering so far. 

Increase in Nanotechnology 

Nanotechnology is to become more mainstream in motorsport engineering. Since its debut by Miller Oils in 2009, more vehicle manufacturers are using it to improve their production processes. For example, current fuel cells use platinum nano-structures to maximise energy production by increasing the surface area that harvests hydrogen ions. Similarly, high-performance vehicles use nano-sized layers of inorganic fillers to protect the most vulnerable surfaces and also self-repair. 

Virtual Designs 

Manufacturers are using virtual reality in their design processes. This encourages radical innovation and bold designs without expensive resource costs. Motorsport engineers can simulate different models, weather conditions, tyres, and situations, stress-testing in different ways before investing in a prototype. 

Robotic Racing Engines 

In recent years, motorsport engineers have been working on developing robotic racing engines. These engines are designed to be more fuel efficient and powerful than traditional engines and are hoped to bring about a new era of motorsport. While there is still some way to go before these engines are perfected, they are currently some of the most exciting developments. 

VR Training for Race Drivers 

Virtual Reality (VR) has been used in motorsport for several years, most notably in simulator software development. However, until recently, it has not been widely used in coaching or training. Many VR training tools are available, including VRCOACH, VR BOX, VRTRACER, and VR FLASH. 

The main advantages of VR training are that it is immersive and interactive, allowing the user to experience situations they would not normally be able to, such as driving on a track in poor weather conditions. It also allows the user to practice skills under simulated conditions, which can help improve track performance. 

Roborace Championships 

Roborace Championships is a motorsports branch involving autonomous electrically-powered cars racing against each other. It involves teams developing proprietary computing algorithms and artificial intelligence technology for their vehicles. 

This requires new technicians and engineers to innovate the current technology of self-driving vehicles.  

Data Analytics and Race Strategy 

Motorsport relies heavily on data collection, with a formula one car generating about three terabytes of data every race. This comes from over 300 sensors and radio communications, delivering real-time information to the pit crew, factory, and FIA. 

As the industry continues to grow, there is a huge requirement for specialists to decipher the information to create the perfect car and improve the race strategy. Our MSc Motorsport Engineering course equips you with the necessary skills to take up these positions with some of the leading motorsports teams. 

Studying at the University of Bolton 

The degree is a one-year, full-time course that aims to meet the industry’s need for postgraduate professional engineers. Here are the course highlights. 

- You will study in our £13 million the UK’s only National Centre for Motorsport Engineering. The industry-driven facility offers access to the most advanced and contemporary equipment, helping you to become an outstanding engineer who will shape the future 

- You will benefit from a personal approach to learning, with small classes and tailored study plans 

- With a specific focus on technological advancements like big data, electric vehicles, additive manufacturing, and industry 4.0, our experienced lecturers help you stand out to industry employers 

If you are looking for the ideal next step in your career, click here to view the full course details. 

Contact us at enquiries@bolton.ac.uk or call 01204 903807 to find out how we support our students on their journey to becoming a specialist in their chosen field.