Adrien Fourmaux on Simulator Sessions and Performance Improvement
Adrien Fourmaux highlighted that recent simulator sessions in the US played a role in helping improve the M-Sport Ford Puma Rally1's performance on Croatia's asphalt stages last weekend.
– The simulations allowed the team to fine-tune their strategies.
– Fourmaux emphasized, "*The sessions were crucial in preparing us for the unique challenges of the event.*"
– His dedication to utilizing technology for performance enhancement was evident on the track.
Ford Support for M-Sport's WRC Programme
While Ford is not currently operating as a fully-fledged factory team in the WRC, the blue oval offers support to M-Sport's WRC programme, which includes access to the Ford Performance Technical Centre's simulator in America, to help assist the development of the Puma.
– Ford offers support to M-Sport's WRC programme.
– Access to the Ford Performance Technical Centre's simulator in America is provided.
– Assistance in the development of the Puma is given.
Fourmaux's Transformation of Puma's Pace
Fourmaux says sessions in the simulator have helped transform the Puma's pace on asphalt significantly since January's Monte Carlo opener where he finished fifth.
– Fourmaux's emphasis on sessions in the simulator has shown results
– The Puma has seen a significant improvement in its pace on asphalt
– The transformation began after the Monte Carlo opener in January, where Fourmaux finished fifth
M-Sport's Performance Upgrade in Croatia
In Croatia, M-Sport debuted a new rear wing which was the first visible performance upgrade on the car this year. Fourmaux scored two stage wins last week including an impressive Power Stage victory that helped him secure 13 championship points.
– Fourmaux scored two stage wins
– Impressive Power Stage victory
Fourmaux's Progress with the Car
"I'm really happy because we have come really far with the car since Monte Carlo," Fourmaux told Autosport/Motorsport.com.
– I
– am
– very
– proud
– of
– our
– progress
Car Development Progress
– "The car wasn't good at all on tarmac, we were struggling so much but we have done a lot of development in the simulator and on the test."
Post Rally Reflection
"We were searching a little bit at the beginning of the rally but after Friday afternoon where I did the second fastest time, I found a really good set up."
– Searched at the beginning of the rally
– Second fastest time achieved on Friday afternoon
– Found a really good set up
Feedback on the Race Weekend
"We have made a big step but there are things we still need to improve and we are working on it to gain some time. It is really positive and we are much closer. We were fighting with Ott all the weekend."
– We have made a big step
– Still need to improve
– Working on gaining time
– Positive progress
– Closer to our goal
– Competing with Ott all weekend
Feedback on the Simulator
– It [the simulator] is working and I'm really pleased we have done a good job with the car, and it has been working on this rally.
Quote
âWe are using it as a tool to make the car faster and it is working.â
– We are utilizing it for improving the speed of the car.
– The tool has proven to be effective in achieving our goal.
M-Sport Team Principal on Simulator Access
M-Sport team principal Richard Millener says the simulator access is a valuable resource to the British team in its fight with full manufacturer-backed operations Toyota and Hyundai.
Efficiency through Innovation
"Obviously there is only a certain amount of things you can do with it but it allows us to be a little bit more efficient before we go testing as testing regulations are quite restricted," Millener told Autosport/Motorsport.com.
– Innovate to maximize efficiency
– Navigate testing restrictions effectively
Feedback and Collaboration
– "It also allows the drivers to have a bit more feedback with the engineers and the design team and keep them thinking all the time about what we can do."
Benefits of Using Virtual Reality
"It gives you a little bit more freedom to come up with some out of the box ideas that we would never try in reality and see what happens."
– Allows for creativity and innovation
– Provides a safe environment for experimentation
– Enhances problem-solving skills
Limitations of Simulator Support
"It is great that they support us with those things but there are limitations as rallying is very different to circuit racing which is what the simulators are designed for at the moment."
– Rallying requires different skills and techniques compared to circuit racing.
– Simulators are currently more suitable for circuit racing simulations.
Value of Ford's Assistance
"It is part of the help that Ford give us that not everybody knows about and appreciates the *value* that is to us as a company."
– Support
– Value
– Appreciation
