(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) Formula One drivers live life as superstars. They are adored, followed and glorified in unequal measure. While the racers hog the limelight for heroics on the tracks, they, in reality are plying their trade on instructions from engineers in the pit lanes. If the line of communication is snapped, the driver finds himself groping in the dark. Sans instructions, all race strategy falls flat and drivers' vision for his race is literally blurred in broad daylight.
So how does all this work? Who all ensure a smooth communication channel between the pit lane and the driver?
Khaleej Times finds the answers to this and more with an exclusive entry through the doors of the secretly-guarded F1 Communications hut. Unfortunately not much can be written or photos published as per a confidentiality agreement but read on for an overview.
Stationed outside the main gate, the communication section is a climate-controlled data centre. F1 Communications' official described as to how the entire machinery of electronic systems, fibre-optic cable to even air coolers is shipped in. Yes, the team doesn't depend on the circuit for pretty much anything apart from food and washrooms.
One step inside the centre and you know data is the king here, well it rules and runs this sport. It's actually some 100-odd dedicated F1 Communications members who toil behind the scenes to ensure a smooth running of the gala show. There are engineers, technicians and video staff stationed in different cabins with a sole task to crunch the numbers and enrich television experience for fans.
They transfer raw data collected through the many sensors positioned along the tracks to the pit lanes. It is based on these inputs that team principals give all instructions to their drivers. The data is also used by commentators and journalists to make expert remarks. And once the show is finished, the entire data centre is folded up in matter of minutes with members silently moving to the next destination.
While all the communication show is controlled by Formula One, their data channel is run by Tata Communications - the official connectivity provider. The partnership is six-year-old now.
Amit Sharma, associate vice-president, marketing and market development, F1 business at Tata Communications said the company enables the sport to seamlessly reach its millions of fans across the world. Formula 1 is broadcast in more than 240 countries and territories.
Digest this: Tata Communications has 710,000km of terrestrial and sub-sea fibre, which is more than 17 times around the world's equator. Data will travel from the company's cable node in Abu Dhabi, riding its long-haul network via the UAE, passing Saudi Arabia and Egypt.
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