The simulation

Ferrari Virtual Academy is based on NetKartPro which at the time was one of the competitors of rfactor and iracing, provided with access to the data of the real F10 with telemetry and the driver feedback, kunos ensured that the physics would be as authentic as possible.

The Ferrari simulator used by the drivers for their training sessions, is an incredibly complex system, efficiently reproducing the Ferrari F10's dynamic behaviour to make it realistic even while using a normal PC: this was one of the programmers' main challenges. Based on an analysis of the car's official data, its aerodynamic behaviour, the tyres' characteristics, the bodywork-suspension system and all of the transmission elements have been reproduced. The Ferrari Virtual Academy is mainly dedicated to a complex modelling of the differential. The single-seater's dynamic modelling was followed by comparing the telemetric data of the real F10 with the virtual one, using the circuits' telemetry reproduced by Laserscan, enabling interventions regarding the set up, and the simulator's mathematical model to optimise every single component's functionality.

The drivers had the last word: they were directly involved in the production process. In different stages the Scuderia Ferrari and Driver Academy drivers used the simulator to test the car's performance, handling and dynamic behaviour, but also the tyres, with particular attention to the car's sensitivity to set up regulations.

The outcome, result of many months of hard work, is the most accurate virtual reproduction of a Ferrari F1 single-seater, available for the fans to be admired on a computer with 3D video card.

The car behavior was very realistic with the laser scanned tracks it made it as realistic as possible for the player, there was also some other tweak like tyre dirt when you go offroad simulated and replicated, the engine sound was recorded from the car directly (while not being 100% perfect since it ) with the addition of wind resistance.

The game offered only two game mode :

Training This mode allows you to train, select the load of petrol on board and change tyres when they are worn. The tyre wear and the petrol function are activated, so the car's dynamic behaviour takes this into account. The tyre wear and the consumption are determined by the distance and the driving style. When the petrol level reaches the minimum you have to come to the box to refuel.

Hotlap This mode enables you to register your lap times in the online classification and to participate in the Ferrari Virtual Academy competition.

Every time you complete a valid lap the lap time will be inserted in the overall classification, showing you your position in real-time. Every time you cross the line the tyre wear and the petrol level wil be reset, guaranteeing an ideal set up for every lap. To drive a valid lap time you have to stay on the track, you are not allowed to cut corners, you are not allowed to have collisions or carry out any other manoeuvres, which could lead to an advantage in terms of the lap time. In case of multiple circuit configurations the racing line, valid for the hot lap, is the one outline by the traffic cones on the track and the ideal line you can activate in the driving option section. More information regarding the Ferrari Virtual Academy rules and the prizes here.

Tweaking the car was limited in order to compare the drivers on their ability alone rather than their setup tuning and ability.

The Scuderia Ferrari have predefined several set ups, with specific characteristics to find the best set up for your driving style. Every set ups characteristics are described in the set up selection section. In hot lap mode you can't modify the petrol quantity, which is enough to complete at least 2 laps on the track: in hot lap mode the petrol level and the tyre wear are reset every time the car crosses the line, to put the car in ideal conditions. In training mode petrol consumption and tyre wear are activated, while the tyre change and the refuelling will automatically be carried out when the cars comes to the box. An indicator (FUEL) on the right side of the screen indicates the petrol level.

For the driving assistance, it was very limited, since it was supposed to be a simracing competition again.

The Ferrari F10 does not offer stability control systems regarding traction, the brakes or automatic gear-change. To enable you to gain confidence with the car and to get used to the controllers, you can activate this device according to your preferences.

NOTE: the assisted driving is exclusively available in training mode: during the hot lap the drivers have to drive under the same conditions.

In order to help the player to improve himself and his lap time, the racing line was available in order to help him learn the best breaking point and racing line to follow in order to have an optimal lap.

By activating this function the ideal racing line, suggested by the Ferrari instructors, is shown to improve your personal best lap time. Green indicator: you can push the throttle Red indicator: the start of the red line indicates the braking point; the red line can be seen on the sections of the track where you should not accelerate to much.

Another option available for the driver was the use of Telemetry in order to study in detail the lap the player did and check where are the possible

The Ferrari Virtual Academy offers you the exclusive opportunity to visualise the replay from the Ferrari drivers with the simulator and to analyse their best laps on the circuits included in the software, comparing it to your fastest lap.

There are 3 diagrams regarding speed, brakes and acceleration, while the lower part of the screen shows the numeric values regarding the brake and accelleration percentage, speed and the used gears. The red graph indicates the best laps driven by the Ferrari drivers, while the white one is your session's best lap time. To visualise the telemetry of your fastest lap you have to drive at least one full valid lap.

For example, Fiorano had Felipe Massa lap time compared to your lap time as the target to achieve, full telemetry from Massa was available to study your driving vs the one from Massa and how he was able to do such a lap. It was a great learning exercise and everything was done for Ferrari Virtual Academy so that the player improve his driving skill. Track guide video were made in order for the player to learn the track with Fisichella.