That Darth Vader looking thing you see is Ferrari's Formula 1 simulator, the real one not the rFactor Pro powered one they will build for special clients for 350000 Euro...if they like you.
No, that's the famous 5 Million Euro simulator built for the 2010 season. I had never seen pictures of it until these.
A 5 million simulator of course is the result of Formula One cost cutting measures with the elimination of most testing. That's why we love F1: Why $6M simulator? Because cost savings!
In any case, simulation is now fully a part of racing, be it Sebastien Buemi getting a job as a Red Bull Racing reserve driver based on his simulator skills or the Gran Turismo 5 gamer team scoring a podium finish at the recent 24 Hours of Dubai.
Driving a fully professional simulator is no easy task and not for everyone, Autosprint, who published these pictures, tells how Ferrari test driver Luca Badoer was not able to do it because he would get nauseous. But before you laugh at Badoer again, consider even Schumacher is said to get queazy in motion sims.
Inside the 4000lbs sphere suspended 15 feet above the ground, is an actual 2010 Ferrari F150 just without engine and wheels. The driver is blasted by a massive sound system and facing a 180 degree 3D high definition projection.
I don't know if Maranello's Moog actuated carbon fiber spider is still the best, I believe that honor goes to Toyota Gmbh but the fact pictures are available and Ferrari has invited a journalist to drive the big machine tells me that perhaps there is something new around the corner.
