Analysis Of The Importance Of Data On Athletes' Success On Formula E . Race Tracks

JAKARTA - When you play music on streaming platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music or YouTube Music, you are unconsciously telling streaming companies, artists and labels about your musical tastes. This is how your next hit song or “Daily Mix” playlist is made all about your favorite pattern.

Every day datasets are pulled from music streaming platforms, video games and even race tracks, so companies can provide users with new personalized experiences.

Data can disrupt in many environments. According to data from Inkwood Research, in Asia Pacific, from 2019 to 2027 the big data market is estimated to increase by more than 20 percent Compounded annual growth rate (CAGR). But in recent years the discussion about data has revolved around companies. It's time to see how one of the world's greatest resources can change the arena beyond the corporate world.

Racing uses data as a second engine

Micro Focus, one of the world's largest software providers, which focuses on solving IT dilemmas, says there is a connection between data and success. As President of Asia Pacific and Japan, Micro Focus, Stephen McNulty said in a release, from car development to racing strategy, automotive sports teams that leverage data will gain an edge on the race track.

An example is the Jaguar TCS Racing team that competes in the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, a single-seat electric car automotive sports championship. The team used 50 applications and more than 250,000 lines of code in each of its race cars to analyze data from previous races and test drives. The information obtained from the data can produce strategic decisions that must be made in real-time in response to track conditions, power levels and competitor positions.

In the context of automotive sports, data can be juxtaposed as a second engine. Data is an important element here because it can strengthen the speed of the rider during the race.

Improve car performance

According to McNulty, one example of how data has an effect is that it can accelerate the speed of vehicles in automotive sports. In Formula E, all teams are required to use the same car chassis and battery. However, if it is related to the vehicle, then the focus is on developing a propulsion engine that is assembled from every component with the aim of driving the car as fast as possible.

This process demands more than just specifying and producing components such as the motor, transmission, inverter and rear suspension. The process includes having to manage systems and software to tweak the algorithms to optimize power throughout the race. This solution collects so much data for analysis that it can be used to improve car performance.

Leveraging analytics and machine learning capabilities can ensure engineers and strategists get valuable information from the data so they can make adjustments to the car before the next race. From viewing tire wear to rider input, by having access to this data and solutions that can analyze it. Teams can make adjustments to the vehicle for better performance on race day.

Cutting noise to increase competitiveness

If you watch automotive races on the television screen, you will see from all camera angles, hear commentators share real-time race updates, and don't miss fan talks on social media. It's all part of the experience to create an engaging spectacle.

This information coverage is also useful for racing teams. For example, media broadcasts show the car's position on the track from a top view, while social media provides behind-the-scenes information from the rest of the team. In sports where performance is measured in milliseconds, all the information is useful for determining racing strategy.

Sorting valuable information out of a constant stream of data can be a challenging task. Imagine listening to radio conversations or social media posts in multiple languages while determining the most appropriate racing pattern to follow. Here artificial intelligence (AI) plays a role in winning the competition. An AI platform that provides analytics of text, audio, image and video data can cut noise and provide actionable information on tire wear, power levels and subsequent action in the race.

Similar to the example of playing songs on music streaming platforms, the more they talk on social media or other channels, the fans unwittingly have provided useful data for the racing team. This is the beauty of data wherever it comes from, data can be useful and have a big effect.

Hand in hand with the right data partners

It's clear that data plays an important role in motorsports, although race car drivers and their teams don't have to be data experts. Whether in automotive sports, music or video games, it is necessary to partner with the right technical partners, who have software expertise, data processing capabilities and most importantly synergies to achieve the best performance.

After all, data will only be useful if it is timely, accurate and relevant. Therefore, regardless of the industry, having the right partners to create value from data will be a key differentiator for any organization, be it the racetrack, record room or boardroom.