As early as 2001 Audi Sport developed, in cooperation with tire
partner Michelin, a system that warns the driver of pressure loss
in a tire. A sensor fitted to every Audi R18 TDI wheel constantly
monitors the tire pressure and transmits this data to the car's
central electronic unit. If the pressure falls, a red warning light
illuminates on the high-tech steering wheel. The engineers in the
pits are also warned immediately.
"Since the introduction of this technology, tire failures due to
pressure loss and subsequent potential accidents, have been
completely avoided," says Joachim Hausner, Head of Complete Vehicle
at Audi Sport.
No less than 1,005 data channels are permanently recorded on the
Audi R18 TDI, monitored and transmitted to the pits by telemetry.
At Le Mans, about 16 Megabytes of data are accrued every lap which
are then evaluated with the help of state-of-the-art computer
technology. Additionally, each time a car passes the pits high
frequency "burst" data recorded during the previous lap is
transmitted which helps engineers in their analysis thus
guaranteeing the vehicle parameters are always correct.
Theoretically the technicians could also control the most
important vehicle functions by telemetry from the pits with Audi
connect. However, the Automobile Club de l'Ouest (ACO) regulations
prohibit this. For this reason radio traffic between driver and
pits plays an important role. Based on this data, which is studied
and interpreted by data and engine engineers, the race engineer
gives the driver instructions by radio. The brake balance between
the front and rear axles, traction control (ASR) and the engine
maps (MAP and MIX) are changed the most frequently while driving.
These functions are all integrated into the steering wheel on the
R18 TDI.
"We don't have to take our hands off the steering wheel while
driving," says Le Mans record winner Tom Kristensen.
"Switch to MAP 3" or "Use ASR 10" are typical instructions given
to the drivers from their race engineers during the race. Every
member of the crew is also connected by radio and is therefore
ready in a flash should the car make an unscheduled pit stop. Audi
connect is also used during pit stops: after an incorrectly
fastened wheel nut cost Dindo Capello, Tom Kristensen and Allan
McNish almost certain victory at Le Mans in 2007, a system that
monitors the wheel gun tightening torque was developed with partner
Megaline.
"In this way it's guaranteed that no car leaves the pits with the
wheel nut torque too low," confirms Joachim Hausner. Audi connect
helps active safety here as well.
The organizers are also permanently connected with the Audi R18
TDI: they monitor the maximum permitted turbo boost pressure and
compliance with the maximum cockpit temperature. The fans also
benefit from connectivity solutions: Three LED modules fitted to
the side of each car indicate which cars currently hold one of the
top-three positions in each class. The identity of the driver
currently sitting at the wheel is transmitted directly from the car
to the electronic timing system and is visible on the monitors.
Audi goes one step further: guests of the brand have been able
to view the most important telemetry data for years - and like the
engineers in the pits also follow the car on a digital image of the
track which shows exactly where each car is at that moment. The
images from the onboard cameras are also broadcast live.