From the drawing board to the track record

The Heidenheim-based simulation experts from Merkle & Partner have been a member of the "Sportprototype Team Engineering Project-1", or Step-1 for short, since 2008. Together with around 35 German medium-sized service providers and automotive suppliers, they developed and built a modern race car in the E2/SC car class of the FIA regulations.

On April 9, 2016, the perfect day had arrived. The track conditions, the weather, external conditions and the support of the Bilster Berg Drive Resort all came together. A record attempt was not actually planned in the test program, reveals Michael Kerber, initiator and spokesman for Step-1. When the decision was made to attempt a record late in the afternoon, those involved around driver Sven Barth could hardly believe their eyes when the new absolute track record lit up. With the best time of 1:33.707 minutes, the network had reached a real milestone, beating the previous record from 2013 by 1 second.

Merkle & Partner was responsible for the exterior aerodynamics and the crash box during the development.
Complex flow simulations were used to virtually reduce the aerodynamic drag of the race car as well as to increase the downforce on the road. In particular, isolated components such as the front and rear wings were designed and optimized.
The crash box on the snout of the race car ensures driver safety and absorbs energy in the event of a head-on collision. A crash simulation was used to determine the optimum structure of the crash box.   

We are very proud to be part of this innovative network and look forward to setting more records.

Cover photo: Martin Traub