Paddock Journal had an unique dialog with Jochen Braunwarth, the Director of Motorsport Options at Geobrugg, a Swiss firm recognized globally for its superior security programs.
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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 property and safeguarding lives throughout numerous sectors, has now prolonged to the high-stakes world of motorsport. At the moment, their state-of-the-art security programs, put in on racetracks worldwide, instill confidence in each drivers and spectators, guaranteeing their security. On this interview, we delve into the main points with Jochen Braunwarth, Geobrugg’s Director of Motorsport Options, to be taught extra concerning the firm’s improvements and the challenges they face within the fast-paced world of motorsport.
Jochen, to start out, might you introduce Geobrugg and its evolution into the motorsport sector?
Jochen Braunwarth: Definitely, Daniel. Geobrugg has pioneered safety programs for over 50 years, primarily specializing in pure hazards corresponding to rockfall, slope stabilization, and avalanche boundaries. Our experience is rooted in growing options that handle high-energy impacts—whether or not that’s a falling boulder or, extra lately, a racing automotive at excessive velocity. About 15 years in the past, we have been approached by the FIA, the governing physique for world motor sport, to make use of our take a look at amenities and expertise to judge present security merchandise available in the market. This marked our entry into motorsport, and since then, we’ve change into more and more energetic on this subject, bringing our intensive information of affect dynamics to racetrack security.
Geobrugg is now well-known for its motorsport security programs. Are you able to inform us concerning the totally different programs you present for racetracks?
Jochen Braunwarth: Initially, we began with everlasting installations like particles fences, with our first main venture on the Sepang Worldwide Circuit in Malaysia. Nevertheless it rapidly grew to become obvious {that a} single product wouldn’t suffice for all racetrack wants. Totally different tracks require totally different options; metropolis circuits, for example, want cell particles fences for fast setups and teardowns. There’s additionally a necessity for strong pit wall programs. Over time, we expanded our portfolio to offer a complete suite of services and products, together with consultancy, inspection companies, format design, and on-site assist throughout race weekends. We’ve developed right into a one-stop store, masking all the things from preliminary consultations to post-installation companies, 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 primarily based on specs specializing in power. Nonetheless, coping with dynamic impacts – the place vitality absorption is important – is complicated and goes past mere calculations. One in every of our main checks entails a 780 kg wrecking ball shot at 65 km/h immediately on the fence. This replicates a state of affairs the place a Components 1 automotive, after a run-off, may change into airborne and hit the fence. Nonetheless, since race automobiles, not wrecking balls, are the fact on tracks, the FIA later launched checks utilizing a one-ton car at 120 km/h with a 20-degree affect 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. Luckily, our lengthy historical past of coping with high-energy impacts offers us an edge. All elements of our programs should work collectively seamlessly to cease a automotive or wrecking ball throughout the required three meters with out destroying all the fence. If the fence have been to be fully destroyed, it will result in important race delays, which is unacceptable. Subsequently, a part of the homologation course of consists of proving that our fences will be repaired rapidly, inside a brief break between race periods, 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 non permanent metropolis circuits?
Jochen Braunwarth: The primary distinction lies in set up and dismantling velocity. Metropolis circuits, like these in Chicago or Las Vegas, have to be arrange and brought down rapidly to reduce disruption to native site visitors and residents. For instance, the Chicago observe 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 provide extra time for set up, which reduces the stress 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 programs?
Jochen Braunwarth: We’re at all times striving to boost our merchandise. Motorsport will at all times contain danger, however our purpose is to mitigate it as a lot as doable. At the moment, we’re engaged in R&D to enhance system efficiency and combine totally different parts 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 blended actuality as a instrument for purchasers 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 most important problem for Geobrugg in Components 1?
Jochen Braunwarth: One of many greatest challenges is altering mindsets, notably 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 present our options an opportunity. The resistance was primarily because of the concern of change and the assumption that their present programs have been enough. 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 grasp, probably by means of blended actuality, to assist prospects visualize their future racetracks and the protection programs in place earlier than they’re even constructed.
Conclusion
Innovation and a radical understanding of affect 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 secure as doable, permitting the fun of motorsport to proceed with out compromising the protection of these concerned. As Geobrugg continues to push the boundaries of what’s doable, the way forward for racetrack security seems each promising and safe.
