Wirth Research assists Andretti Autosport Formula E Team with simulation

Andretti Autosport has reunited with Digital engineering specialists Wirth Research as it prepares to compete in the world’s first international all-electric race car series. Wirth Research will provide the team with engineering services for its assault on the new FIA Formula E Championship, which begins in Beijing in September.

Andretti Autosport and Wirth Research have worked successfully together before – most notably in two of Andretti Autosport’s four IndyCar Series title-winning seasons (2004 with Tony Kanaan and in 2005 with Dan Wheldon) and with victory in the 2005 Indy 500 with Wheldon (all wins achieved with an Andretti Dallara-Honda).

With its previously successful association, Oxfordshire-based Wirth Research -in the heart of motorsport valley and only a short drive from Donington where the cars are located – is perfectly placed to assist Andretti Autosport in this exciting new technology-racing venture. Wirth’s virtual engineering technology includes flow simulation and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) services and an advanced driver-in-the-loop simulator.

Testing and full race simulations for Formula E take place on track in July and August, prior to the cars being transported from the UK to China for the eagerly anticipated opening round.

Michael Andretti CEO of Andretti Formula E, said: “We couldn’t be more excited about the upcoming FIA Formula E season and partnering with Wirth Research for all of our Formula E engineering services. We are building a strong team of management and drivers that will complement Wirth’s expertise, and look forward to a success inaugural season."

Nick Wirth, President of Wirth Research, said: “I am delighted that we have been chosen by Andretti to support them in the new Global Electric Race Series with our engineering services. Technology, sport and environmental issues combined with safety are of great importance to both our companies. The engineering challenges for this championship will be unique, and getting the most out of the cars’ features, such as the driver-controlled energy recovery and ‘Push to Pass’ power boost with its interactive vote, will be an interesting challenge. We are looking forward to being part of this new and exciting form of racing."