Virgin boosts computing power
Virgin is committed to designing its car without wind tunnels © Getty Images
Virgin has strengthened its commitment to designing its car using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) rather than wind tunnels.
On its launch in 2010 Virgin announced it would shun F1 conventions by designing and testing components digitally rather than investing in an expensive wind tunnel. Its debut season was rather hit and miss, as the car was often unreliable but on occasion challenged fellow newcomers Lotus in qualifying.
The design process is outsourced to technical director Nick Wirth's company, and the team has now announced a new deal with IT partner CSC to double Wirth Research's computing power.
"We are delighted that the partnership we enjoyed with CSC in our debut season has developed into an even stronger relationship and one which will have a more direct influence on the performance of our race car design and development," said Virgin CEO Graeme Lowdon. "12 months ago we launched the first Formula One car to be designed entirely using CFD to demonstrate that, over time, a new team operating with a smaller and more sustainable budget can enter the sport and be competitive.
"These are exciting times at Marussia Virgin Racing and with CSC's support and an enhanced technical capability, we can embark on our second season with renewed ambition and pursue our longer-term performance objectives with confidence."
The team's press release added: "The new computer means the smallest design improvements can be validated in a few hours, adjusted as needed, and re-tested. This is significantly faster, more cost effective and less wasteful than prototype production and wind tunnel testing."
Virgin's 2011 car is not expected to hit the track until the second pre-season test at Jerez
Credit: ESPN F1 (espn.com)
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