Dell support and systems in Formula 1
Formula 1 (F1) is described as the most competitive and technologically advanced sport in the world. To be at the top, team operations need to run at the highest level and with the greatest precision. The success and excitement of F1 racing relies largely on the latest technology developments. Ultimately, technology helps teams boost the performance of their cars on the track.
The BMW Sauber F1 Team cannot start the race without help from Dell and Intel
Each F1 race requires a uniquely modified software program for the cars to run—whether it’s to fit the narrow city streets of Monaco or fast tracks of Monza in Milan. BMW Sauber F1 Team engineers who work at the starting grid use a Dell™ Latitude™ 820 notebook powered by Intel® Centrino® Duo processor technology to download a customized program into the race car’s computer. Without this, drivers Heidfeld and Kubica would be unable to start.
Mobility is key to performance
The BMW Sauber F1 Team designs, tests, and manufactures cars to compete throughout the year at locations around the world. For this reason, the team constructed a mobile unit to house a new pit system built around Dell and Intel products. The foldable steel case with built-in cooling systems can be wheeled onto a truck or plane for shipment to the track, where it then resides on pit lane. Wherever the team goes, its IT solution follows.
The Dell mobile pit system includes:
- Dell™ PowerEdge™ 1950 servers deliver the high performance of Dual-Core Intel® Xeon® processors in a much slimmer model for easy mobility.
- Dell™ Latitude™ D820 notebooks with Intel® Centrino® Duo processors provide high-end graphics capability and powerful performance. BMW Sauber F1 Team uses these to run applications such as Atlas (telemetry) and Matlab (calculations).
- Dell™ UltraSharp™ 2007 WFP widescreen displays support advanced features such as picture in picture (PIP). A height-adjustable stand allows proper ergonomics.
Sound strategy requires fast data analysis
The BMW Sauber F1 Team car carries more than 100 sensors. During a race, data is collected as the car travels at speeds in excess of 200 miles per hour. This data is processed through Intel-based Dell™ PowerEdge™ 1950 servers and Dell™ Latitude™ notebooks with Intel® Centrino® Duo processor technology. This data—everything from oil temperature and brake heat, to tire wear and fuel consumption—will influence race strategy and tactics on the track.
Production facilities also rely on solutions from Dell
In addition to new pit systems, the production facilities in Hinwil and Munich now utilize Dell equipment. Combined, these facilities have rolled out 67 Dell™ Precision™ 690 workstations with 64-bit Dual-Core Intel® Xeon® processors and upgraded their software systems.
Support services build team confidence
The Official Partnership includes Dell™ Platinum enterprise support a service to meet specific needs of the BMW Sauber F1 Team. It helps maximize system availability and the highest performance even in diverse, complex environments, from Bahrain to Montreal, and as far as Melbourne and Sao Paulo.
Pre-configuration saves time
The IT team at BMW Sauber F1 Team uses Dell™ Premier Pages™, a personalized online store, to procure and configure products. Employees choose memory, processor speeds and other performance features as their needs require. Dell™ Premier Pages™, can reduce delivery times and ensures that products offer the exact performance specified without any unnecessary components.
The BMW Sauber F1Team IT solution at a glance:
- HARDWARE
- Dell™ PowerEdge™ 1950 servers
- Dell™ Latitude™ D820 notebooks
- Dell™ UltraSharp™ 2007 WFP widescreens
- Dell™ Precision™ 690 workstations
- SOFTWARE
- Atlas
- Metla
- Windows® XP
- SERVICES
- Infrastructure Consulting Services (ICS)
- Dell™ Platinum Enterprise Support
- Dell™ Premier Pages™