Behind the scenes of motorsport | How data helps improve driving style

Data analysis in motorsport is an incredible discipline that provides valuable “under the hood” insights into both the potential of individual drivers and the performance of competition cars. By carefully analysing this data, race engineers can pinpoint where crews lose crucial time—whether during testing or directly on the track.

Rallying is a discipline where details matter, and success depends on the crew’s ability to maximize the potential of their car. Finding the ultimate limit is key not only to achieving fast stage times and winning but also to refining the car’s development program. Besides experience, driving at the absolute limit requires in-depth data analysis, recorded by the car in real time. A race engineer assists the driver in interpreting this data. The Škoda Motorsport team, with its extensive history of working with drivers of various styles, has gathered a wealth of experience in this field. Let’s take a closer look at this fascinating “data alchemy,” which is worth its weight in gold for every driver.

Testing Unlocks Greater Potential

During actual competitions, race engineers have limited visibility into the car’s performance and the driver’s handling. They cannot monitor data live during a stage; instead, they must analyse it once the car returns to the workshop. The number of sensors fitted to a rally car is also strictly regulated. “During a rally, we have access to data from 37 sensors and 15 actuators,” says Willocx, outlining the framework of the rules.

Testing, however, provides a much more detailed insight into both the car’s and the driver’s potential. Since the usual limitations on sensors and data transmission do not apply, dozens of additional sensors can be fitted, and race engineers can monitor almost live data in real-time. “We have access to up to 75 additional sensors,” Willocx describes the breadth of the coverage.

During tests, engineers track even the smallest details of both car and driver behaviour. Standard data includes throttle pedal pressure, braking technique, and steering input, along with engine, gearbox, and other electronic parameters. Additional sensors allow for even deeper insights, such as suspension movement and braking system performance. Engineers can closely observe how the car responds to the driver’s inputs and how the driver reacts to specific car behaviour.

Reading the data reveals details

From the data, race engineers can assess the car’s functionality—whether cooling is working correctly or how efficiently the engine uses fuel. More importantly, they can analyse the driver’s performance—how quickly they apply the throttle, their braking technique, and their cornering approach. Engineers can also see how frequently the handbrake is used, how the driver interacts with the sequential gearbox, and whether they are fully utilizing the car’s engine and braking potential.

With this information, engineers can provide tailored advice to help drivers improve. For example, braking analysis can reveal whether a driver brakes too early or too late and whether their deceleration matches the surface grip levels. “We can see from the data if a driver is braking at the right point for the available grip,” says Willocx. For younger or less experienced drivers, this feedback is invaluable in improving their driving style, pushing their limits, and understanding their car’s capabilities.

This is something Robert Virves, a 24-year-old Estonian driver competing in his second season with the Škoda Fabia RS Rally2, can confirm:

Virves also shares a specific learning experience from a recent test: “Comparing my data with other drivers helped me realize that I was making unnecessary inputs in certain situations; I was giving the car too many commands. I calmed my driving style down, and it made a difference. Data and engineers are an essential tool for fine-tuning even the smallest aspects of driving technique—without it, progress would be much harder.” Virves describes the practical use of data.

“When we test on the same track with different drivers, we can observe how much of the car’s potential each driver is using. We see where one driver is faster than another and use that data to help them improve,” explains Willocx. He adds: “Many drivers believe they are pushing to the car’s limit, but in reality, they are creating their own limits. Seeing another driver’s data helps them realize what they, too, can achieve.” For young drivers in particular, Willocx has some key advice: “Try different driving styles. Focus on yourself. Identify when you feel most confident, and with data analysis, you’ll discover ways to go even faster.”

Race engineers can distinguish different driving styles from the data, knowing that there isn’t just one formula for speed. Some drivers prefer a smooth and controlled approach, while others are more aggressive, attacking with sharp throttle inputs. Every driver is unique, but some stand out even in the numbers. One such standout is Sébastien Loeb, who drove a Škoda Fabia RS Rally2 on the Azores Rally in 2023.

“He uses the throttle and brake pedals differently than anything we’ve seen before in the data. By applying very light pressure on the brake pedal, he never locks the wheels, which paradoxically allows him to brake later than other drivers who use a more aggressive approach,” Willocx explains, highlighting the rally legend’s skill. This distinctive technique is visible even in the world of “ones and zeros”—where numbers tell the story, and drivers rely on engineers to decode it.