There is a lot of debate over how close simulator training actually is to real life. Some people swear by the effectiveness of simulators in mimicking the real thing. While others think there is no comparison.
Let’s explore the pros and cons of simulator preparation to find out how close it is to reality.
In essence a simulator is a computer program that creates a model of a real or potential system and predicts its behaviour. Simulators are used in a variety of industries, motorsport being just one of them.
These programs facilitate the testing of ideas and exploration of different scenarios in a safe and controlled environment.For example, engineers may use a simulator to test the design a new bridge.
By allowing users to experiment with different options and compare results, simulators can make complex systems more understandable and manageable.
There are several types of simulators. In aviation, a simulator allows pilots to train in a variety of situations while gaining flying experience without them being in an actual airplane.
Following the same principle, a motorsports simulator provides the sensation of driving a car, or any other vehicle.
This device is used to train professionals and help them perfect their skills without the risk of damaging expensive equipment or putting themselves in harm’s way.
Let’s drive into this exciting world. Strap in, start your engine, and get ready to experience the excitement of driving at breakneck speeds, albeit virtually.
This digital tool grants both motorsport fans and professionals’ access to the thrill of racing, albeit virtually. Drivers can choose from various tracks and cars to race against friends or other online opponents.
Simulators typically use a variety of sensors to recreate the feeling of being behind the wheel of a real car. These sensors keep tabs on acceleration, braking, steering input, and the car's position on the track. The data is then used to provide feedback to the driver, creating an immersive experience.
Different driving simulators offer different levels of realism depending on their purpose. For example, some racing simulators are designed to closely replicate the experience of driving on a professional racetrack. These often use high-end graphics and physics engines to create a realistic sense of speed and motion.
And then you have driving simulators like the ones here at Focus Driver Performance that feature top-of-the-line gear.
Designed and manufactured by Pro-Sim and Quiaffe Engineering, both renowned in motorsports for building authentic virtual gearboxes and differentials. Our equipment recreates for a real-life feel with a significant range of adjustments to suit different cars.
Simulators can be very effective when it comes to training new drivers. By providing an authentic yet safe environment, they allow beginners to make mistakes and learn from them without putting themselves or others at risk.
A simulator can be an essential part of training professional drivers. It helps them learn to react in different situations, giving them the confidence and experience needed to handle whatever they may encounter on the track.
Motorsport simulators fall under two categories: gaming and professional.
Most people think of a simulator as a video game that tries to recreate the experience of driving a race car. While this is true, for professional drivers, simulators are essential to hone their skills and prepare for races.
The key difference between a gaming simulator and a professional simulator is the level of realism and the effort required to drive the device.
For example, at Focus Driver, we use a real APRacing Brake system with a master cylinder and caliper. This setup requires drivers to use real-life force when pressing the pedal, just like they would in a real car.
And because the pedal can take over 200KG of force, it can accurately simulate the braking power of even the most powerful racecars. As a result, professional drivers who train on our simulator gain an invaluable competitive edge.
We also offer the two different cockpit options that accurately simulate the two main types of seat positions in motorsport:GT/Supercar/Tin top and Open Wheeler/Single Seater.
Having such high brake pressures on our pedals is crucial in training the relevant muscles to work to create familiarity and muscle memory. It's no use sitting in a simulator differently from how you would sit in a vehicle in real life.
We also can interchange between H Pattern orSequential shifters and our simulators operate within tenths of a second to real life, so you can be sure that you're getting the most realistic experience possible.
In our increasingly connected world, it's often difficult to tell the real from the simulated.
You can say the same thing about the simulators at Focus Driver Performance. We regularly overlay the telemetry from real life track sessions onto simulations, and vice versa, making it impossible to distinguish one from the other. This blurring of the lines between reality and simulation is what we call the Focus Difference.
At Focus, we believe this difference is essential for creating engaging and convincing simulations. By immersing users in a realistic virtual environment, they can gain a deeper understanding of the task at hand, learn new skills more quickly, and make better decisions.
This attention to detail is what makes Focus simulations so effective. You'll feel like you're in the thick of the action, not just watching from the sidelines.