AIX Racing is a young Formula 2 and Formula 3 team, building its reputation in one of the most competitive environments in motorsport. Like many new teams, they initially relied on third-party services for damper testing and setup validation. That dependence meant waiting on others, trusting that no mistakes were made, and losing valuable time between events. For a team determined to control every detail of performance, this was not a sustainable approach.
When every fraction of a second matters, suspension performance becomes one of the most decisive factors in racing. To progress, AIX Racing needed a way to precisely characterize their dampers, manage tire behavior, and bring the entire development process in-house.
Key Takeaways
- AIX Racing relied on third-party services for damper testing, leaving them dependent on outside timelines and vulnerable to errors that slowed development.
- By adopting the LABA7 Electromagnetic Damper Test System, the team gained precise, low-latency measurements and the ability to run all damper testing and R&D fully in-house.
- AIX Racing now achieves faster lap times, improved handling, and delivers measurable gains that both engineers and drivers feel on track.
Challenges
Relying on external testing services or incomplete workshop methods limited the team’s ability to iterate quickly. Understanding damper dynamics and their direct effect on tire management was critical, yet conventional tools did not provide the accuracy or independence needed.
As Arthur Rencker, Technical Director and Chief Engineer of AIX Racing, explained:
“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.”
AIX Racing required a test system that was precise, efficient, and compact enough to integrate seamlessly into their own facilities.
The Solution
The team chose the LABA7 Electromagnetic Damper Test System (EMA). After evaluating alternatives, AIX Racing identified key advantages:
- Low latency and high accuracy in data collection
- Compact footprint, avoiding the need for a dedicated room
- Strong after-sales support and responsive service
- Independence – the ability to test and develop dampers fully in-house
As Rencker noted:
“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 became a central part of their workflow. After each race weekend, dampers are tested, adjusted, and re-tested to verify setup consistency. Between events, the system supports ongoing R&D, where new configurations are developed, assembled, and characterized before returning to competition.
Results
The integration of the LABA7 EMA has given AIX Racing measurable performance improvements:
- Reduced lap times through precise suspension development
- Improved handling is immediately felt by drivers
- Optimized tire performance, maximizing the only contact point with the track
- Faster iteration cycles, thanks to complete in-house testing
The independence offered by the EMA has proven especially valuable. No longer reliant on outside services, the team can now manage every aspect of their damper development internally.
Rencker summarized the impact clearly:
“Definitely, EMA helps us to improve our lap time, handling of the car, and knowledge. Drivers really felt the difference before and after.”
Conclusion
AIX Racing’s experience demonstrates how advanced damper testing directly translates into on-track results. By adopting the LABA7 EMA, the team gained precision, speed, and independence – critical advantages in Formula 2 and Formula 3 competition.
At LABA7, we are proud to support leading teams with tools that enable engineers to convert data into performance.
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