Ferrari Virtual Academy

New simulation software for the PC known as The Ferrari Virtual Academy, is daring budding drivers to step into the fireproof clothing of a F1 tester, taking on the likes of Ferrari drivers Felipe Massa and Fernando Alonso.

The virtual simulator, developed in collaboration with the drivers of the Scuderia Ferrari, Alonso, Massa and Fisichella, as well as its engineers, enables users to experience all the sensations of driving an F10 in virtual reality. It allows aficionados from all over the world to compete with each other on the Fiorano circuit, for the first release, and subsequently Mugello and Nürburgring. The Ferrari Virtual Academy is the only virtual simulator for PCs, faithfully reproducing the F10 -- the single-seater which competes in the Formula One World Championship.

The challenge of the Ferrari Virtual Academy was to create a version of the simulator used for training Scuderia Ferrari's drivers which everyone can use on their own PC. Starting from an analysis of authentic data from the car, the aerodynamic effects, tyre characteristics and behaviour of the chassis-suspension system and engine have been reproduced, as well as all elements of the transmission.

The work of the development team -- 12,000 hours, 15 experts, the use of 3D graphics technology and data processing which has been used for the first time on a product of this type -- was assisted by the commitment of the same Ferrari drivers, who tested the simulator personally in order to optimise its performance. The simulator faithfully reproduces the cockpit and steering wheel of the F10, thus revealing all its controls and functionality.

Using a driver helmet-cam, the designers were able to faithfully reproduce the stresses and G Forces inflicted while traversing the tracks under speed.

The dynamic modelling of the car was followed by a comparison of the real and virtual telemetric data of the F10 on circuits reproduced through laser scanning, to ensure that they corresponded. The analysis of the simulated laps, turn after turn, enabled targeted interventions to refine the dynamic behaviour and achieve a driving experience and response to controls with the utmost realism and fidelity. This was also made possible thanks to the physics engine, which, working at a frequency of 1000 Hz, calculates all the forces that act on the car every millisecond as well as their effect on the ride.

Every aficionado will be able to record their own time online, taking part in an international tournament which will reward the highest ranking virtual drivers with Ferrari products every week. At the end of the tournament, following the regulation of the competitions, the five drivers ranked as fastest will win a trip to Maranello, the heart of Ferrari. They will pass through the gates of Fiorano and take part in the exclusive Ferrari Driver Academy course, personally aided by the exceptional tutors of the Racing Department.

This piece of software is all about building the fastest lap times and then fiddling further with the mechanical thoroughbred to squeeze faster subsequent laps.  Don't expect any wheel to wheel racing against opponents from Red Bull or Mercedes Benz.
The simulator can be purchased online from the site www.ferrarivirtualacademy.com at a price of €14.90 (AU$20.50) for the first release, the Fiorano Circuit, and €9.90 (AU$13.60) for the following releases with the Mugello and Nürburgring circuits.

Minimum compatibility requirements:
* Operating System: Windows XP, Vista, Windows 7 32/64-bit
* Processor: XP: 1.8 GHz or higher; Vista/Seven: 2.4 GHz or higher
* Memory: XP: 1 GB; Vista/Seven: 2 GB
* Video Card: GeForce 6800 GT or higher / ATI 9800 PRO or higher
* Space on disk: 1 GB
* DirectX: DirectX 9.0c
* Internet Connection: modem/ADSL
* Input: keyboard, mouse, joypad, joystick, steering wheel/pedals, configuration of multiple controllers with at least 2 analogue axes
* Compatible with: Nvidia 3D Vision; Track IR Enhanced; Matrox TripleHead2Go