Formula racing is defined as "single-seat automobile racing in which the designs of the cars are strictly regulated". Vehicles used in Formula One (F1) racing are considered the highest form of single-seat racing cars due to the sophistication of construction and ultimate speed.

F1 teams want to win--not only for the high purses received at the finish line, but because F1 cars are considered to be the height of single-seat racing car construction. So, if you win, you're considered to be the best in what many consider to be the most glamorous automobile racing events in the world.

But, if you don't get the aerodynamic package of your F1 right, you won't have a hope of getting near the front of the grid--much less win the race! F1 teams spend up to $50 million on the latest thing in wind tunnels in order to be at the head of the pack.

That's why Advantage CFD, owned by the British American Racing (B.A.R.) F1 team, came to the industry leader in CFD design manipulation--the Optimal Solutions Software team--in their efforts to more quickly and accurately aerodynamically impove the B.A.R. Formula 1 race cars.

To predict the effect of a design modification on the aerodynamics of a car, one of the closest working relationships Rob Lewis, Chief Engineer for Advantage, has is with the aerodynamicists. Utilizing Optimal Solutions' Sculptor(TM) interactive design program, Lewis and his team are now able to make these design mods in real time--not only saving time and money, but with greater accuracy.

The "proof's in the pudding":

"Sculptor(TM) has enabled us to optimise aerodynamic components quickly and easily. The speed of the process has increased our CFD throughput and quickly found gains." William Toet, Senior Aerodynamicist, B.A.R., F1.

Lewis sees a great future for CFD in Formula 1.

"The ultlimate goal is where you arrive at the end of the season, get next year's rule book, last year's car, put it all into the computer, press 'go' and come back after Christmas to collect the new car. Sculptor(TM) provides us with a significant step in that direction."

And while it might seem a million miles from the visceral world occuped by an F1 driver, these guys all share the very same dream:

IT'S ALL ABOUT FASTER LAP TIMES AND THOSE PRECIOUS CHAMPIONSHIP POINTS.