FIA Partners with Siemens as Official Digital Twin Sponsor for Motorsport Innovation
Strategic Partnership Advances Motorsport Digitalization
Siemens Digital Industries Software has been appointed as the Official Digital Twin Sponsor by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA). This collaboration through the FIA’s Global Partnership Programme will expand the use of Siemens Xcelerator software portfolio to develop and refine aerodynamic concepts for single-seater racing categories from Formula 1 to Formula 4.
Transforming Motorsport Design with Digital Twin Technology
The FIA will leverage Siemens’ Designcenter NX software to create detailed vehicle models and conduct computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. This digital approach enables comprehensive testing and optimization of car designs for both performance and safety in virtual environments, significantly reducing the environmental impact associated with physical prototyping and wind tunnel testing.
Proven Track Record in Digital Engineering
Since 2022, the FIA aerodynamics team has utilized Siemens software to generate over 14,000 CAD parts and conduct more than 10,000 CFD simulations. This digital-first strategy has substantially decreased the environmental footprint of motorsport development while maintaining competitive integrity and safety standards.
Leadership Perspectives on Technological Advancement
“We’re proud to partner with global technology leaders like Siemens to shape motor sport’s future,” stated Craig Edmondson, FIA Chief Commercial Officer. “This collaboration demonstrates how world-class brands help us deliver progress across performance, safety and sustainability.”
Jason Somerville, FIA Head of Aerodynamics, emphasized the environmental benefits: “Siemens gives us precision tools to design and test complex aerodynamic concepts virtually, reducing environmental impact while improving performance. This technology ensures racing remains competitive while supporting our net zero by 2030 ambition.”
Expanding Software Integration Across Motorsport Operations
The partnership extends beyond aerodynamic development. The FIA will implement Siemens’ Teamcenter X for Product Lifecycle Management, facilitating collaboration across championship teams. Additional simulation tools including Simcenter Amesim, STAR-CCM+, and HEEDS software will enhance design exploration and optimization capabilities throughout the organization.
Author’s Insight: The Future of Sustainable Motorsport
This partnership represents a significant shift in how motorsport approaches both innovation and environmental responsibility. By embracing digital twin technology, the FIA demonstrates that high-performance engineering and sustainability can coexist. The massive reduction in physical testing not only lowers carbon emissions but also accelerates development cycles. This model could establish new standards for automotive engineering beyond motorsport, influencing mainstream vehicle development processes.
Practical Applications in Motorsport Engineering
For racing teams and automotive engineers, this technology enables rapid iteration of aerodynamic concepts without the time and cost constraints of physical testing. Engineers can explore more radical designs virtually before committing to physical prototypes. The digital twin approach also allows for more comprehensive safety analysis and performance optimization, potentially leading to closer competition and more exciting racing while maintaining the highest safety standards.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the scope of Siemens’ partnership with FIA?
Siemens becomes the Official Digital Twin Sponsor, providing software for aerodynamic development and product lifecycle management across FIA championships.
How does digital testing reduce environmental impact?
Virtual simulations eliminate the need for physical prototypes and wind tunnel testing, significantly reducing energy consumption and material waste.
What Siemens software is being utilized?
The FIA uses Designcenter NX for CAD, various Simcenter tools for simulation, and Teamcenter X for product lifecycle management.
What results has the FIA achieved with Siemens software?
Since 2022, they’ve created 14,000 CAD parts and run over 10,000 CFD simulations digitally.
How does this support FIA’s sustainability goals?
The digital approach directly supports the FIA’s commitment to reach net zero emissions by 2030 by reducing physical testing requirements.
About the FIA
The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) governs world motor sport and represents mobility organizations globally. As a non-profit organization, the FIA champions safety, sustainability, and innovation across both motorsport and mobility sectors. Founded in 1904 with offices in Paris, London, and Geneva, the FIA unites 245 member organizations across five continents, representing millions of road users and motorsport professionals.
About Siemens Digital Industries
Siemens Digital Industries enables companies across manufacturing sectors to accelerate their digital and sustainability transformations. The company’s comprehensive automation and software portfolio transforms product design, manufacturing, and optimization processes. Through the Siemens Xcelerator platform, these capabilities become more accessible, efficient, and scalable, helping customers evolve into sustainable digital enterprises with support from 70,000 professionals worldwide.
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