AIX Racing is a young Formula 2 and Formula 3 team making waves in one of the most competitive arenas in motorsport. Like many emerging teams, they initially outsourced damper testing and setup validation to third-party services. This dependency meant waiting on external timelines, trusting that no errors occurred, and losing precious time between race events. For a team committed to controlling every performance detail, this approach simply wasn’t sustainable.
In racing, where fractions of a second determine victory, suspension performance stands as one of the most critical factors. To advance their competitive edge, AIX Racing needed precise damper characterization, better tire behavior management, and complete control over their development process.
Key Takeaways
- AIX Racing’s reliance on third-party damper testing left them at the mercy of external schedules and vulnerable to costly errors.
- The LABA7 Electromagnetic Damper Test System delivered precise, low-latency measurements and complete in-house testing capabilities.
- The team now achieves faster lap times and improved handling, with performance gains that both engineers and drivers can feel on track.
The Challenge: Breaking Free from External Dependencies
Dependence on external testing services and inadequate workshop methods severely limited the team’s iteration speed. Understanding damper dynamics and their direct impact on tire management was crucial, yet conventional tools couldn’t deliver the required accuracy or operational independence.
Arthur Rencker, Technical Director and Chief Engineer of AIX Racing, put it perfectly:
“The tires are the only part of the car that is in contact with the road. The car, the tires, and the suspension all work as a system – and the damper is at the center of it.”
What AIX Racing needed was a testing system that combined precision with efficiency, all within a compact footprint that could integrate seamlessly into their existing facilities.
The Solution: LABA7 EMA Integration
After thorough evaluation, the team selected the LABA7 Electromagnetic Damper Test System (EMA). Several key advantages set it apart from the competition:
- Low latency and high accuracy in data collection
- Compact design that doesn’t require dedicated room space
- Exceptional after-sales support with responsive service
- Complete independence for in-house damper testing and development
As Rencker explained:
“Obviously, we looked into other solutions, but the LABA7 EMA stood out. For the precision of the measures, the low form factor, and the quality of service.”
The EMA quickly became integral to their workflow. After each race weekend, dampers undergo testing, adjustment, and re-testing to ensure setup consistency. Between events, the system drives ongoing R&D efforts where new configurations are developed, assembled, and thoroughly characterized before returning to competition.
Measurable Results on Track
Since integrating the LABA7 EMA, AIX Racing has achieved significant performance improvements:
- Reduced lap times through precise suspension development
- Enhanced handling that drivers immediately notice
- Optimized tire performance, maximizing the car’s only contact point with the track
- Accelerated development cycles thanks to complete in-house testing capabilities
The independence factor has proven particularly valuable. No longer dependent on external services, the team now controls every aspect of their damper development internally.
Rencker’s assessment of the impact was clear:
“Definitely, EMA helps us to improve our lap time, handling of the car, and knowledge. Drivers really felt the difference before and after.”
Conclusion: Data-Driven Performance Gains
AIX Racing’s journey illustrates how advanced damper testing technology translates directly into competitive advantage. The LABA7 EMA delivered exactly what the team needed: precision, speed, and operational independence – all critical factors in Formula 2 and Formula 3 racing.
At LABA7, we take pride in supporting leading teams with the tools they need to transform data into on-track performance.
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