In motorsport, often a tenth of a horsepower decides victory or defeat. STS pressure sensors provide highly accurate measurement data under the toughest conditions – both in the hybrid laboratory of Formula 1 and in the V8 test bench of NASCAR.
"The winner takes it all!" In racing, there are no half-successes. The decisive difference often occurs long before the race – at the test bench. Here, high-precision pressure sensors make the difference when it comes to the last tenths of a horsepower. STS Sensor Technik supplies such sensors to renowned teams in Formula 1 and NASCAR.
Pressure Measurement Technology in Formula 1
Since the 2014 engine regulations, Formula 1 has relied on hybrid technology with 1.6-liter V6 turbo engines, supported by the Energy Recovery System (ERS). This replaces the previous KERS and enables brake energy recovery as well as additional electrical power. Formula 1 thus serves not only as a racing series but also as an innovation lab for street cars.
The strict technical specifications necessitate extensive test bench testing to achieve the crucial performance advantage. These requirements differ from serial vehicles: significantly higher pressures, extreme temperatures, and the highest demands on measurement accuracy. Even improvements in performance in the decimal range are considered a great advancement.
A leading F1 team contacted STS because the sensors previously used were too large, too heavy, and too heat-sensitive. Without additional cooling, they would fail at the high test bench temperatures – with fatal consequences for long-term measurements.
STS then supplied the ATM.mini, an ultra-compact pressure sensor with high accuracy across the entire temperature range. In addition to space savings and the elimination of cooling elements, another advantage became apparent: unlike the earlier sensors, the ATM sensors caused no interference during the switch to the hybrid system – a critical point that previously caused test interruptions.
Pressure Measurement Technology in NASCAR
Although NASCAR still relies on conventional V8 engines without hybrid technology, the highest requirements are placed on test systems here as well. A renowned engine manufacturer uses over 200 pressure sensors of the type ATM.1ST to develop its approximately 900 HP engines.
These accurately measure pressure in oil, water, fuel, and air intakes – essential for detecting tiny optimizations in the combustion process, oil flow, or air intake behavior. The choice was made for the ATM.1ST because of its:
- Modularity: Customizable configuration including special adapters
- Accuracy: Total error ≤ ±0.30% FS for precise performance comparisons
- Long-term stability: Minimized calibration effort during continuous operation
- Wide measurement range: 100 mbar to 1000 bar – suitable for all aggregates
- Excellent temperature compensation: Exact values despite high test bench temperatures
Conclusion
Whether Formula 1 or NASCAR – those who want to be at the top must test precisely. STS pressure sensors such as the ATM.mini and ATM.1ST provide reliable measurement data under real racing conditions. They enable trouble-free long-term testing, help shorten development times, and bring teams closer to the winner’s podium – sensor for sensor, tenth for tenth.
