Nissan engineer on data processing in Formula E: "It is imperative to study data"

Data is indispensable nowadays - this applies to almost all areas of our high-tech lives, but especially to sport. The use of data is particularly important in motorsport, as there are dozens of sensors on the vehicles that record an incredible amount of data. This must then be analysed by the teams so that they can use the data to improve performance on the racetrack.

"We have the athlete, the driver, but then also this complicated piece of machinery in the form of the car," says Cristina Manas Fernandez, Head of Performance and Simulation at the Nissan Formula E Team. "The only way we can understand how it works and what we need to improve on is through the data. We collect data every time the car goes on track, so it is imperative for the engineers to study this to be able to know what to do in the next session."

In addition to the technical side of the car, there is always the human element that needs to be taken into account in motorsport. In most cases, however, this cannot be measured with any sensors, but is the work of engineers, who can of course also rely on their wealth of experience.

"The race and performance engineers work specifically to understand each driver style and then focus the set-up on the direction we know will help to extract performance," Manas continues. "When it comes to what we call the ‘mapping’ or the fine-tuning of the car, this is very much done with the driver’s style in mind. So while it looks like both cars are the same, this isn’t the case. We also set the car up differently when it comes to certain situations, for example if we start at the front or the back, depending on the race strategy."

Manas: "Our preparation starts two or three weeks beforehand"

The bulk of the work takes place in the run-up to a race, when drivers and engineers prepare for a Formula E race together. Many points are already sorted out here so that the team can concentrate on making detailed changes during the time-limited practice sessions on the race track.

"Our preparation for a race weekend starts about two or three weeks prior to the event,” explains Manas. "First, we do a pre-event report, where we characterize the track and nail down exactly what we need to be quick on that particular layout. Then we have two or three days in the simulator, where the drivers and engineers work together, trying different set-up combinations and figuring out what fits best."

"After we arrive on site for the event, we use the first practice session to see if we are performing at the expected level," she describes the procedure on the race weekend. "Because of the nature of Formula E tracks, mostly in city centers, there’s usually small differences, but every team has the same issues on this. From that point on, if the driver is comfortable then we can focus on building up to qualifying and the race."

"We use the driver as a complement"

The drivers then have to perform on the track. But the engineers' data analysis doesn't stop there, as real-time data is used to influence the strategy and therefore the race result.

"When we manage a race, we have lots of metrics we’re looking at and then can make decisions based off that," says Manas. "We use the driver to guide us towards the best changes to make, using his opinions to complement the millions of data points, and then prioritize looking into the direction he is pointing us towards. After every session, we debrief with the drivers and go through all of the metrics. Throughout the weekend, it’s more of an evolution from session to session."

The next opportunity for Manas and her team to do this will be at the Monaco E-Prix, which will be held on the streets of the Principality on 3 and 4 May. The team's preparations are already in full swing. Nissan is travelling to races 6 and 7 of the season as the second-placed team in the overall standings.