In the high-octane game of motorsport, time is of the essence, and every team is always on the hunt to get the best out of their drivers.
In doing so, traditional training methods have been the full focus of most teams, especially those looking to improve drivers’ performance, reduce risk and beef up their competitive edge. However, traditional training methods are suboptimal due to various factors like track unavailability, weather conditions, and safety concerns.
To curb these problems, the adoption of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) in motorsport driver training has gained momentum. These two illustrious domains have incorporated immersive and data-driven experiences into driver training by transforming physical training into a blend of simulation and science. This article sheds light on the nuance of VR and AR and why teams are increasingly integrating them into driver training.
The growing complexity of modern motorsport driver training
Times are changing, and the same thing applies to the world of motorsport. It’s a new era where motorsport is not all about speed alone. Instead, it has spiralled towards making split-second decisions. To achieve this level of precision, the drivers and the team must understand real-time data. It’s even more complex when we examine the large scale of responsibilities beckoning drivers.
Nowadays, drivers are expected to handle the multifaceted car system, handle and decode team strategies, analyse track conditions, and process technical information. Traditional training methods cannot achieve this level of expertise to accomplish such responsibilities. In response, a more robust, smarter, scalable, and efficient solution can be achieved with the adoption of virtual reality and augmented reality.
What are VR and AR, and how do they work in driver training?
Virtual and augmented reality can be likened to the marriage of an immersive interactive digital environment and analytical worldview that lays bare all digital information in drivers’ psyches. It’s straightforward but not simple because of the deep technological innovations and scientific advances that went into these beasts of machines.
Look, for instance, virtual reality that kicks into action when drivers are placed in a demo cockpit or, let’s say, driver position, wear a virtual reality headset and proceed to navigate tracks, react to obstacles in driving scenarios, and practise all types of techniques that drivers intend to replicate in real-life motorsport competition.
The working principle of virtual reality revolves around a PC-based system connected to the sun rig, which gives the perfect replica of what it seems like in an actual racing car. To make driver training more efficient and enhance realism, most teams have incorporated a series of popular VR games for PC like iRacing, Assetto Corsa and many others into their training modules. Augmented reality, on the other hand, provides drivers with a rendered digital image or information through a display or devices such as a smart visor, head-up display, tablet, PC, etc.
In driver training, augmented reality creates a world view of everything that’s going on while training. So, after every training session, the team will have arrays of performance data that showcase places where drivers deviate from the line, visualise areas where time was gained and lost, and display corner-by-corner elementary comparisons with teammates and others.
Why teams integrate VR and AR into driver training
The increasing integration of virtual reality and augmented reality into driver training is more than just an ordinary technological novelty. This advancement can be described as a strategic shift that most teams have utilized to increase their drivers’ competitive edge. The following are the key advantages of virtual reality and augmented reality for driver training.
Track familiarisation without track time
One of the most important reasons teams adopt virtual reality and augmented reality into their driver training programmes is the track familiarisation without track time. This is a brilliant innovation that solves the problem of going around searching for tracks they can use for driver training.
With virtual reality and augmented reality, teams can pick from an array of pre-built tracks or even liaise with the software company to create custom hyper-realistic tracks for drivers to practise without setting foot on real-life tracks. These realistic tracks allow drivers to learn whatever they intend to learn by just driving the virtual laps from the comfort of the in-house cockpit.
Lower training costs
Another reason why teams integrate virtual reality and augmented reality into their driver training programme is the reduced training costs. Remember, traditional training programmes often come with substantial costs incurred on fuel, tyre, track rental, travel, logistics and other expenses.
With virtual and augmented reality, teams can cut down on all these expenses once they have the equipment in place for the drivers to train at any time. It’s even more exciting right now when most VR platforms have sprung up with flexible payment options for small teams.
The following are some of the virtual reality companies and augmented reality developers that provide such payment plans:
- Oculus
- Groove Jones
- Appellos Software & App Development
- Unity Technologies
- Vention
- SoluLab
Improved safety and risk reduction
Integrating VR and AR into driver training also enhances safety and minimises operational hazards. The traditional method of training drivers relies on real-world driving, which comes with associated risks and inherent dangers. VR and AR completely eliminate this risk by providing a safe and effective learning environment.
VR and AR are great for simulating dangerous conditions, such as hydroplaning, tyre blowouts, or sudden road obstacles, without any physical threat to the driver or equipment.
Data-driven feedback and real-time analytics
In addition to the safety that VR and AR provide, these immersive technologies offer immediate, objective, and measurable feedback, which is crucial to tracking the progress and readiness of trainees to face real-world situations.
AR and VR software provides a wealth of real-time data on a more granular level than traditional training methods that rely on manual observation and post-drive discussions.
The future of motorsport training with VR/AR
The future of motorsport training is looking brighter, with VR and AR driving innovation in immersive and data-driven experiences. One significant development is the use of fully integrated digital twins, which are virtual replicas of driving trainees, vehicles and tracks that allow real-time simulation feedback even during live races. This software also goes beyond training as they have begun to blur the lines between professional racing and fan experience.
We see this progression as esports/competitive gaming crossovers are becoming more prevalent, as they allow sim racers to compete with real-world drivers. It’s even more exciting now with the introduction of in-game currencies that can be purchased virtually, as well as game competitions where you can deposit real money using your card to participate.
| Game Title | Platform(s) | Competitive Features |
| Project CARS 2 & 3 | PC VR, PSVR | Dynamic weather, esports tournaments |
| F1 23 | PC VR | Official F1 teams and tracks, immersive experience |
| DiRT Rally 2.0 | PC VR | Challenging terrains, dynamic conditions |
| Automobilista 2 | PC VR | Diverse racing disciplines, exceptional graphics |
| GRID Legends | Meta Quest 2 & 3 | Live multiplayer, track creation |
| ICARACE | PC VR | Fitness meets esports, global competitions |
| Asphalt 9: Legends (Legends UNITE update) | Mobile, Consoles, PC | AR integration, cross-platform play, global esports events |
Conclusion
In driver training, VR and AR are emerging and quickly growing into indispensable game-changers, delivering significant safety, efficiency, and performance gains. These technologies, from simulated tracks to live data analysis, are reshaping the motorsport landscape, offering realistic simulations and real-time data to enhance training and operations.
Finally, as innovation continues, the boundary between virtual and real racing will blur even further, making immersive, tech-driven training not just an advantage but a necessity for future competitive success.
