Formula One comes to STI
Extreme heat, rapid acceleration, split second decision-making and severe dehydration make the Formula One racing driver the perfect subject for innovation and new developments in East Midlands’ bioscience and medicine.
On September 24, Dr Daniele Zaccaria, Team Physician for Scuderia Toro Rosso Formula One team visited Loughborough University’s Sports Technology Institute to talk about the mental and physical impact faced by grand prix drivers and how the latest research is uncovering new business opportunities.
Sports scientists, medical research companies and business advisers all attended the emda-funded East Midlands Healthcare and Bioscience iNet to hear first-hand from one of the world’s leading sports physicians.
Dr Zaccaria, a consultant to FormulaMedicine (the most experienced sports science and medicine group in F1) knows how tough it can be in the cockpit, where temperatures can climb in excess of 70°C. Fluid loss of 7% during a race is not uncommon, straining the driver’s ability to concentrate and maintain hand-eye coordination. F1 drivers are athletes, carefully monitored and trained for their control of emotions, concentration levels, reaction time, and memory as well as their passion to win.
“Formula One driver preparation is different from many other sporting disciplines.” says Dr Zaccaria. “To date there are very few, if any, driver support staff that have raced in an F1 car or have first-hand experience of the psychological and physiological demands of this sport. This has implications on the understanding and delivery of appropriate driver support.”
Professor Mike Caine of the Sports Technology Institute helped the audience of growing life science and medical firms to make the link between their products or product ideas and the needs in extreme sports such as F1.
The Sports Technology Institute has numerous connections with world class sports associations, and is pleased to be able to act as a hub for East Midlands companies seeking to engage with global sporting goods brands and performance sport organisations.
This event brings Formula One, the life science sector and Loughborough University expertise together for the first time – signifying the East Midlands’ strength in applied research and innovation.
Dr Ian Barr, Director of the Healthcare and Bioscience iNet, believes this event will act as a catalyst for collaboration between the world of sport and life sciences.
“The East Midlands has a very strong international reputation in sports science and technology, Formula One motor racing and life science. Bringing people together from these fields is a great stimulus for new ideas that will help drive further innovations that build on the region’s strengths.”
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