Kazuki Nakajima – Spa-Francorchamps in the TMG Simulator

As part of his driver development, Kazuki Nakajima has been testing the virtual Toyota TS040 HYBRID LMP1 car in the simulator in preparation of tomorrow’s WEC 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps.

Sadly enough, Kazuki Nakajima will not be able to start at the 2015 WEC 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps, after yesterday’s crash. He ran into the back of #8 Audi R18 e-tron Quattro at the end of the Kemmel Straight in heavy rain and spray. He was taken to the hospital and has been diagnosed with a broken vertebra.

TOYOTA MOTORSPORT GmbH is using its simulator as a dedicated engineering tool. The Simulator is developed in-house, and is featuring the latest technology to accurately reproduce the driving experience in a virtual environment.

A six-degrees-of-freedom electric motion platform simulates driving sensations and an electric feedback motor creates realistic steering torque while TMG’s vehicle model translates wind tunnel kinematic data to simulate the effect of aerodynamic or mechanical changes. The Sim also features an accurate tyre model including thermal effects, as well as a choice of weather, to cover all scenarios and provide full flexibility for repeated tests in identical conditions.

The simulator is a flexible tool, adaptable for open or closed cockpit cars and with a fully parameterizable dynamic vehicle model. In addition to its engineering function, the simulator is also a valuable tool for driver development. Programmes are available to familiarise drivers with different cars or circuits in a safe and predictable environment, while an interactive pit crew aids the practise of pit stop procedures.

Realistic conditions also offer a valuable opportunity for drivers and engineers to develop efficient communication and working practices in a controlled and flexible environment away from track pressures.