Vehicle performance is mainly a matter of tire performance. And tire performance is mainly a matter of viscoelasticity, road roughness and energy optimization. For these reasons, acquiring tire viscoelastic data in a fast and smart way, coupling it with asphalt profile and vehicle data, is the key to understanding and predicting the optimal tire and vehicle setup for each race and condition. This presentation will describe VESevo, an innovative device for tire tread viscoelastic characterization, which can be used to collect data and use it to feed predictive tire models and improve race performance.

The purpose of performance vehicles is to be the fastest and drivers prefer to have a pleasant feeling during driving. Based on shortened development time, availability of race tracks, driver-oriented race setups and changing environmental conditions, race car development needs to be rethought. Following an extensive virtual function development process, all dynamic attributes should be developed in parallel under consideration of driver interaction. EDAGs approach is to use the Zero Prototype Lab as a driver-oriented test laboratory for performance vehicles. The lab focuses on driving dynamics with driver-in-the-loop and hardware-in-the-loop simulators.

The Catesby Tunnel boasts ideal conditions for all kinds of vehicle testing, combining high levels of repeatability with reality. The temperature, pressure and humidity in the tunnel remain incredibly stable throughout, and there is no wind or rain. At 2.7km long and 8.2m wide this disused railway tunnel is the world's longest indoor vehicle testing facility and provides purpose-built indoor straight road test track allowing an extensive range of vehicle assessment studies to be carried out on full scale vehicles. Jon Paton managing director of Catesby Projects will provide a comprehensive overview of the facility which is affordable and fully accessible in what will be an eye opening and fascinating presentation.

ampliTex and powerRibs technologies leverage motorsport by offering flax-based materials that enhance safety, performance and sustainability. Proven in top-tier racing series, including NASCAR, Formula 1, A2RL, McLaren seats, BMW M Visionary Seat and BMW M4 GTA bodywork, these materials deliver unmatched stiffness and lightweight properties while improving safety through ductile fracture behavior, reducing the risk of sharp debris and toxic dust. Furthermore, the vibration damping is significantly improved. The materials enhance occupant safety by having blunt edges upon impact. ampliTex and powerRibs match the weight of thin-walled monolithic carbon-fiber parts. They also offer customizable aesthetics, allowing for unique and tailored design solutions. Bcomp’s flax-based composites are driving the integration of sustainable materials in the highest levels of motorsport, ensuring safety, high performance and sustainability.

GSB will unveil its new FIA-approved harnesses alongside the world premiere of the B-Scan Harness, a revolutionary racing harness equipped with pressure sensors. The B-Scan Harness not only measures the pressure and micro impacts your body endures during a race but also provides critical information in the event of an accident. It can alert the medical team to potential injuries before they even reach you, ensuring faster and more precise care.

ATLAS is a software package, which is used to capture, distribute, display and analyse data from control systems such as those used within motorsport and automotive applications. A Formula 1 race is also a story in progress – and one in which we can proactively shape the outcome in our favour if we take intelligently informed action at the right time. Choosing that action, and the right moment is the key. That’s why McLaren Applied developed ATLAS (Advanced Telemetry Linked Acquisition System), an advanced data-visualisation tool that can provide powerful, race-winning insights. In this presentation Sam Guest head of Motorsports, Telemetry, Control & Analytics at McLaren Applied will describe the package and how best to use it.

Alcon will launch its new GT caliper range in 2025. Forged from high strength aluminium alloy, their unique design has been shaped by future racing demands. Each caliper design is configurable, meeting the client’s bespoke requirements. Alcon's patented SMART piston technology has evolved and been made available for GT applications, providing the driver with the confidence to race as hard from the first lap to last.

The exact title and scope of this presentation will be added shortly

Three things are necessary for low-quantity custom OEM engines to be feasible: the design and manufacturing skills, the economic feasibility and the technology to enable the first two. High-quantity OEM engines have existed for a very long time. Extremely low-quantity bespoke racing engines have existed for a long time. Low-quantity very expensive racing engines have existed for some time. With CNC, CAD and a lot of physics and testing, we are now on the cusp of achieving low-quantity bespoke engines at a reasonable cost. This presentation will explain how high-performance vehicle design possibilities are changing.

The details and scope of this presentation will be added shortly

Under the “Race to Road” banner, Xtrac has been active in the Hypercar sector for over 10 years, designing and developing weight optimised and high performance transmissions for a number of OEMs active in this market. Xtrac’s ability to reduce lead times by making full use of in-house manufacturing, allows for significantly improved prototype development timescales.

‘Modular solutions for future propulsion systems’ is the theme for Ricardo at this year’s PMW. Join Stuart Cooper, Market Head for Motorsport, as he talks through Ricardo’s end-to-end solutions designed to give clients in the performance automotive and motorsport industries a cost-effective solution for the development of bespoke powertrain and driveline technologies which minimise compromise on packaging and performance. Including Element, a new range of transmission products designed for ease-of-integration and configuration, and Ricardo’s Flexible Battery Module for high performance and specialised applications.  

Exact description and scope of the presentation will be announced shortly

A new generation of ESA, new standards in shifting, even more precise and, above all, easy to install thanks to plug-and-play technology. The new SaReNi ESA V2 promises all of this. We will present our new product to you and look forward to many questions and discussions.