Technology is a quintessential part of Formula 1, not just in racing car design and development, and performance on the track but even before a driver even strap into his first drive. Racing simulators, equipped with cutting-edge audiovisual systems, are increasingly being used to create the racing experience on track and on race days. In Finland, AV engineer Andy Symonds and his Cave Oy company have taken this technology a step further by employing Genelec loudspeaker systems to create a one-of-a-kind simulator facility aimed at nurturing the next generation of Finnish racing talent.

Symonds’ simulators, located at Cave’s headquarters in Seinäjoki, are designed with a clear purpose in mind – to provide young drivers with an opportunity to train in an environment that closely replicates the real-world conditions of Formula and GT racing. To achieve this, Symonds relied on two key partners – Genelec and Absen, a global leader in LED display technology.

‘The driver’s experience has to feel exactly like it would on a physical track,’ Symonds explains. ‘When it comes to the visuals, whether you’re using LED or projection, it’s relatively straightforward to replicate the race environment. But the audio is just as critical, and that’s something that can often be overlooked.’

To address the audio challenge, Symonds turned tofellow Finnish company Genelec: ‘Genelec is a premium audio manufacturer, and I wanted to work with a local company that shared my vision,’ he says. ‘I knew they could deliver the precise, high-quality sound needed to make this simulator truly immersive.’

The partnership with Genelec led to the creation of a charitable foundation, allowing drivers in Finland, between the ages of 12 and 18, to access the simulators for free. In addition to the advanced technology, the facility provides access to data engineers and an experienced Formula 1 coach, offering participants a comprehensive experience.

‘The idea was to create a development tool specifically for drivers, not just for car engineering – although we can do that too,’ Symonds says. ‘We’ve had the system up and running for over a year now, and already, we’ve helped a number of young drivers in their racing careers.’

Central to the realism of the simulators is the A/V. Symonds chose to equip the Aston Martin simulator with ten Genelec 8340 studio loudspeakers and two 7360 subwoofers, while the Formula chassis simulator system comprises five 8351 studio loudspeakers and one 7380 subwoofer. The driver is seated in front of a 7m diameter, 180° curved Absen LED screen, with the loudspeakers arranged in upper and lower 5.1 layers to create an immersive environment.

‘We needed the audio to be loud enough to feel like you’re in an actual race car,’ Symonds says. ‘It has to be powerful enough to cut through the helmet and padding that the driver wears, yet remain balanced and clear. That’s where Genelec’s expertise really came into play.’

The sound system replicates a range of racing noises – from the low growl of the engine to the high-pitched squeal of tires gripping the track. Every sound is finely tuned to create the sensation of being on a real racing circuit. ‘Some drivers have told me that they forgot they weren’t on a real track during the session.’

While Formula 1 teams have used simulators for years as engineering tools, Symonds’ facility stands out by focusing on driver development rather than just car optimisation.

‘Formula 1 teams use simulators primarily to test, design and refine car performance but, here, we’ve created a tool that helps young drivers improve their knowledge of physical tracks, learn how to deal with challenges they might face during races, and enhance their driving skills in real-time situations,’ he says.

An important element of both audio systems is Genelec’s GLM calibration software, which allowed Symonds to fine-tune the sound with remarkable precision. ‘With just one click, we achieved the perfect balance. The software ensures that all acoustic issues are minimised, and the sound remains consistent. This technology added another layer of realism to the experience. The drivers feel like they’re really on the track, and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.’

More: www.genelec.com