Paddock Journal had an unique dialog with Jochen Braunwarth, the Director of Motorsport Options at Geobrugg, a Swiss firm identified globally for its superior security techniques.
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Introduction
Geobrugg, a Swiss firm with over 50 years of expertise, is the world chief in producing high-tensile metal wire security nets and meshes. Their experience, honed in defending pure belongings and safeguarding lives throughout varied sectors, has now prolonged to the high-stakes world of motorsport. As we speak, their state-of-the-art security techniques, put in on racetracks worldwide, instil confidence in each drivers and spectators, guaranteeing their security. On this interview, we delve into the small print with Jochen Braunwarth, Geobrugg’s Director of Motorsport Options, to study extra concerning the firm’s improvements and the challenges they face within the fast-paced world of motorsport.
Jochen, to begin, might you introduce Geobrugg and its evolution into the motorsport sector?
Jochen Braunwarth: Definitely, Daniel. Geobrugg has pioneered safety techniques for over 50 years, primarily specializing in pure hazards corresponding to rockfall, slope stabilization, and avalanche limitations. Our experience is rooted in growing options that handle high-energy impacts—whether or not that’s a falling boulder or, extra not too long ago, a racing automotive at excessive pace. About 15 years in the past, we have been approached by the FIA, the governing physique for world motorsport, to make use of our check amenities and expertise to guage present security merchandise available in the market. This marked our entry into motorsport, and since then, we’ve turn out to be more and more lively on this subject, bringing our in depth data of impression dynamics to racetrack security.
Geobrugg is now well-known for its motorsport security techniques. Are you able to inform us concerning the totally different techniques you present for racetracks?
Jochen Braunwarth: Initially, we began with everlasting installations like particles fences, with our first main challenge on the Sepang Worldwide Circuit in Malaysia. But it surely rapidly turned obvious {that a} single product wouldn’t suffice for all racetrack wants. Completely different tracks require totally different options; metropolis circuits, for example, want cellular particles fences for fast setups and teardowns. There’s additionally a necessity for strong pit wall techniques. Over time, we expanded our portfolio to supply a complete suite of services, together with consultancy, inspection providers, format design, and on-site assist throughout race weekends. We’ve developed right into a one-stop store, overlaying the whole lot from preliminary consultations to post-installation providers, guaranteeing that our shoppers really feel safe and well-supported.
How are these security fences examined to make sure they meet the rigorous calls for of motorsport?
Jochen Braunwarth: Within the early days, no testing was required, and the installations have been based mostly on specs that targeted on power. Nonetheless, coping with dynamic impacts – the place vitality absorption is significant – is complicated and goes past mere calculations. Considered one of our major checks includes a 780 kg wrecking ball shot at 65 km/h instantly on the fence. This replicates a situation the place a Method 1 automotive, after a run-off, would possibly turn out to be airborne and hit the fence. Nonetheless, since race automobiles, not wrecking balls, are the truth on tracks, the FIA later launched checks utilizing a one-ton car at 120 km/h with a 20-degree impression angle. The purpose is to make sure that nothing breaches the three-meter security zone between the fence and the grandstand, safeguarding spectators.
Passing the FIA homologation course of sounds difficult. Are you able to share some insights into this?
Jochen Braunwarth: Certainly, it’s a rigorous course of. Happily, our lengthy historical past of coping with high-energy impacts offers us an edge. All parts of our techniques should work collectively seamlessly to cease a automotive or wrecking ball throughout the required three meters with out destroying your complete fence. If the fence have been to be fully destroyed, it could result in vital race delays, which is unacceptable. Due to this fact, a part of the homologation course of contains proving that our fences may be repaired rapidly, inside a brief break between race classes, guaranteeing minimal disruption. For instance, throughout a WEC occasion in Spa, our system was impacted however required no restore, whereas a close-by guardrail took two hours to repair.
How do the necessities differ between everlasting race tracks and momentary metropolis circuits?
Jochen Braunwarth: The primary distinction lies in set up and dismantling pace. Metropolis circuits, like these in Chicago or Las Vegas, should be arrange and brought down rapidly to attenuate disruption to native site visitors and residents. For instance, the Chicago monitor for NASCAR was put in in simply two weeks and dismantled in a single and a half weeks. This calls for exact logistics and planning. Then again, everlasting circuits just like the Hungaroring supply extra time for set up, which reduces the strain however nonetheless requires meticulous planning since our options are sometimes the final to be put in earlier than a race.
Are there any ongoing R&D efforts at Geobrugg for future developments in security techniques?
Jochen Braunwarth: We’re at all times striving to reinforce our merchandise. Motorsport will at all times contain danger, however our purpose is to mitigate it as a lot as potential. At the moment, we’re engaged in R&D to enhance system efficiency and combine totally different components extra successfully. For instance, we’re exploring methods to make life simpler for photographers by offering versatile openings within the fences. Furthermore, we’re contemplating combined actuality as a device for patrons to visualise our merchandise in real-world settings earlier than set up. This dedication to innovation ought to make our viewers really feel optimistic about the way forward for racetrack security.
What has been the largest problem for Geobrugg in Method 1?
Jochen Braunwarth: One of many greatest challenges is altering mindsets, significantly at established amenities. Many have been working with the identical contractors for many years, so convincing them to strive one thing new can take time. Within the U.S., for instance, it took about 5 to 6 years of persistent effort to get some venues to offer our options an opportunity. The resistance was primarily as a result of worry of change and the assumption that their present techniques have been adequate. As soon as they did, they noticed the distinction and embraced the brand new expertise. We’re additionally exploring methods to make our merchandise extra relatable and simpler to know, presumably by way of combined actuality, to assist prospects visualize their future racetracks and the security techniques in place earlier than they’re even constructed.
Conclusion
Innovation and an intensive understanding of impression dynamics have marked Geobrugg’s transition from pure hazard safety to motorsport security. Jochen Braunwarth’s insights reveal the complexity and dedication behind guaranteeing that each racetrack is as protected as potential, permitting the joys of motorsport to proceed with out compromising the security of these concerned. As Geobrugg continues to push the boundaries of what’s potential, the way forward for racetrack security seems each promising and safe.
