rFpro Unveils Hyper-Realistic Digital Twin of Las Vegas F1 Circuit
Majority of F1 teams will leverage new digital twin in preparation for the Las Vegas Grand Prix.
Incorporates iconic Las Vegas landmarks and representative lighting to replicate night-race conditions.
1mm precise road surface model to optimise driver feedback and vehicle set-up.
rFpro, the leading provider of driving simulation software for the automotive and motorsport industries, has launched an updated digital twin of the Las Vegas Formula 1® circuit. Most of the grid will use the model as the teams prepare for the Formula 1 Heineken Silver Las Vegas Grand Prix on 23rd November 2024.
The highly accurate digital model incorporates all 17 corners of the circuit and spans 3.8 miles, including the famous Las Vegas Strip. The model is built using survey-grade LiDAR scan data to create a highly accurate road surface model that is accurate to within 1mm, ensuring every bump, camber, and drain cover is faithfully captured.
It provides Formula 1 teams with an engineering-grade environment to train drivers, test new parts for their performance and driveability, select the components that should be fitted to the car, and calculate an optimum setup for the start of practice. The data from Friday’s running will be fed back to the simulator team and the model used again to experiment with setups in the pursuit of further marginal gains ahead of qualifying and the race.
"Simulating exact road surface details means teams gain valuable insights long before they arrive at the track," said Nick Harrison, Development Director at rFpro. “But what really sets this model apart is its lifelike environment - drivers are not only reacting to accurate physical cues but are also fully immersed in the visual and spatial dynamics of Las Vegas. This allows for more natural driver feedback, which ultimately improves team strategies and performance.”
Beyond the road surface, rFpro’s digital twin captures Las Vegas' legendary atmosphere. With precision-modeled replicas of iconic landmarks, such as The Sphere, Paris Las Vegas Resort & Casino's Eiffel Tower, Bellagio Resort & Casino and Ceasars Palace Hotel. The rFpro team spent four days creating the virtual Eiffel Tower, just one of hundreds of buildings in the model.
The digital twin also replicates Las Vegas’ unique night-race lighting, with lighted billboards and signage, simulated gantry lighting, and dynamic sun and moon positioning. These realistic lighting and shadow conditions help drivers adapt and optimise their braking, clipping and accelerating points.
This is the latest addition to rFpro's extensive library of digital models, which includes more than 130 race circuits and test tracks worldwide. The company's simulation software supports all major racing categories, including Formula 1, NASCAR, WEC, IMSA, Formula E, Super GT, IndyCar, and V8 Supercars.