Ferrari is already preparing for its second appearance in competition with the 499P, whose debut at Sebring last month was particularly noticed. The Hypercar designed in Maranello was able to climb on the third step of the podium behind the double signed by Toyota, the day after a historic pole position won by Anthony Fire.
The Italian machine is therefore more promising than ever, after months spent on the test bench and then on various tracks around the world to test it but also to develop it. Before joining Portimão for the second round of the championship, the prancing horse firm agreed to focus on one of the most important and technological objects of its mount: the steering wheel. To the point of revealing some manufacturing secrets.
Drivers’ work tool, today it has little to envy to what Formula 1 drivers are also familiar with. the various controls, an essential central screen, and sophisticated operation. In total, it is composed of 500 pieces! And it is the result of work that mobilized a dozen people for more than a year and a half to reach the final version (or almost).
“From the first sketch to the prototypes used in testing and then to the inaugural WEC race at Sebring, the steering wheel has evolved to adapt to the demands of performance and functionality”explains Bénédicte Prioul, electronics manager at Ferrari. “The steering wheel of the 499P combines aspects of that of the 296 GT3, with characteristics inspired, for example, by Formula 1, particularly to define the layout and the shape of the grip. A clean sheet for the 296 GT3. We have evolved this steering wheel to create a new interface for the Hypercar. The main difference? It is clearly visible in the dashboard integrated into the steering wheel compared to the GT.”
The steering wheel of the Ferrari 499P.
The steering wheel was first designed in 3D to define its architecture, its ergonomics, the functions of the buttons, then the electronic interface had to be determined. It was then that the pilots had their say, including defining the layout of the information available to them on the integrated screen. “Their support was essential”emphasizes Bénédicte Prioul. “Only pilots can turn what is imagined into a tool for achieving high performance. Pilots must be able to control the most important data and communications at all times, day in and day out. at night, at high speeds, when cornering and when the cockpit is exposed to considerable vibration.”
“The most used function is the ‘Radio’ function, with the corresponding button at the top left and which allows the driver to communicate permanently with the race engineer. When the temperature of the cabin exceeds 30°C in the summer, the ‘Drink’ button on the right is invaluable, as it allows riders to turn on the pump that supplies water to the helmet.”
Unsurprisingly, Ferrari does not dwell on the most sensitive parts of this little gem of technology. An object whose price can easily be written in five figures, and on which we can see obvious controls, such as the speed limiter in the pits, or the one called FCY for Full Course Yellow procedures. Both are also protected by a crown so as not to be accidentally activated.
Like the car itself, the steering wheel can be subject to almost continuous development. “During a race weekend, you may have to modify certain functions on the steering wheel”points out Bénédicte Prioul. “To do this, you have to reconfigure the software to change the functions associated with the buttons and the information displayed on the screen. Sometimes I wake up thinking about the layout of the buttons and how it could be improved! “
Ferrari #50 during the 1000 Miles of Sebring.
