Ferrari's first online virtual simulator is revealed today: the Ferrari Virtual Academy, which makes its press début on the occasion of the Italian Grand Prix in the paddock of Scuderia Ferrari. The virtual simulator, developed in collaboration with the drivers of the Scuderia Ferrari, Alonso, Massa and Fisichella, as well as its engineers, enables you to experience all the sensations of driving an F10 virtually.

It allows aficionados from all over the world to compete with each other on the Fiorano circuit, for the first release, and subsequently Mugello and Nürburgring. The Ferrari Virtual Academy is the only virtual simulator for PCs which faithfully reproduces the F10, the singleseater which competes in the Formula One World Championship.

The challenge of the Ferrari Virtual Academy was to create a version of the simulator used for training Scuderia Ferrari's drivers which everyone can use on their own PC. Starting from an analysis of authentic data from the car, the aerodynamic effects, tyre characteristics and behaviour of the chassis-suspension system and engine have been reproduced, as well as all elements of the transmission.

The work of the development team - 12,000 hours, 15 experts, the use of 3D graphics technology and data processing which has been used for the first time on a product of this type - was assisted by the commitment of the same Ferrari drivers, who tested the simulator personally in order to optimise its performance. The simulator faithfully reproduces the cockpit and steering wheel of the F10, thus revealing all its controls and functionality.

By studying the videos filmed by the drivers and thanks to the helmet cam, which is fitted on the helmet and therefore responds realistically to the stresses of the track and the G forces that the driver is subjected to, this very particular perspective, as complex as it is thrilling to master, has been reproduced to recreate the tension that the neck muscles are subjected to when driving a singleseater.

The dynamic modelling of the car was followed by a comparison of the real and virtual telemetric data of the F10 on circuits reproduced through laser scanning, to ensure that they corresponded. The analysis of the simulated laps, turn after turn, enabled targeted interventions to refine the dynamic behaviour and achieve a driving experience and response to controls with the utmost realism and fidelity. This was also made possible thanks to the physics engine, which, working at a frequency of 1000 Hz, calculates all the forces that act on the car every millisecond as well as their effect on the ride.

Every aficionado will be able to record their own time online, taking part in an international tournament which will reward the highest ranking virtual drivers with Ferrari products every week. At the end of the tournament, following the regulation of the competitions, the 5 drivers ranked as fastest will win a trip to Maranello, the heart of Ferrari. They will pass through the gates of Fiorano and take part in the exclusive Ferrari Driver Academy course, personally aided by the exceptional tutors of the Racing Department.

The simulator can be purchased online from the site www.ferrarivirtualacademy.com at a price of €14.90 for the first release, the Fiorano Circuit, and €9.90 for the following releases with the Mugello and Nürburgring circuits.

Nürburgring circuits.