IZone Driver Performance Centre has expanded its race driver training facilities with the installation of a second race car simulator, in addition to its original dynamic chassis simulator and hugely popular kart simulator. Built by Cranfield Motorsport Simulation, the new simulator, a design supplied to several leading F1 teams, is targeted at elite single-seater racing car drivers.
Featuring paddle shift gears, an authentic, F1 style steering wheel and the all-important G-Cueing, (Cranfield patented G-Force simulation), the new simulator will appeal to drivers currently competing and preparing to compete in series such as Formula Renault, F3, World Series by Renault, GP3 , GP2 and Formula 1 making this experience as close as can be to reality.
Andy Priaulx, co-founder of iZone, with his long-standing driver coach and former single-seater racer, John Pratt, was the first to sample the new simulator and said of his test drive, I am very impressed with our new acquisition. It is a snug fit in the cockpit so you immediately gain a sense of realism, and with responsive steering in front of the 180 degree screen this virtual environment is very immersive; when the G-force kicks in it takes it to another level. All in all Im sure it will be a very popular addition to our portfolio of training tools.The simulators are just one element of an extensive and diverse range of training tools and techniques offered by iZone as Pratt explains, Our training programmes assist aspiring and elite drivers with various aspects of racing, from visualisation techniques and mind conditioning through to physical fitness and nutrition. The simulator is often used to validate experience and skill level, as well as being used with the iZone eye tracker system and the many other hi tech training aids, which we have developed.
Co-founder Pratt anticipates a high volume of usage for their new simulator, saying, As iZone has now become well established with all categories of motor racing drivers, our original simulator has become increasingly busy, so in order to meet the demand from our customers, we have made this substantial, additional investment. The two units have different features, so we can tailor our training programmes even more accurately to fit with different race programmes, individual coaching requirements and specific areas of focus. Simulator sessions, combined with iZones eye Tracker technology, grip sensing , EEG monitoring , heart and breathing rate monitoring and extensive psychometric testing are the focus at iZone, with the aim on making drivers at every level the best they can be.
The new iZone simulator complements the two existing units with the single-seater dynamic chassis being used frequently by a broad range of clients, including young drivers, older professionals, occasional racers, gentlemen and track day drivers. The kart simulator is rapidly becoming the most popular form of training, in a safe and consistent environment, for kart racing drivers competing in both domestic and international race series all year round.
