Today’s sports prototypes, especially those in the LMP1 category, are highly sophisticated, super hi-tech machines which can only be operated by teams and drivers of the highest calibre…and by some serious computing power.
Part of that computing power is physically in the hands of the drivers: the steering wheel. In the 2016 FIA World Endurance Championship, pointing the car in the right direction is probably the simplest task asked of the steering wheel by the drivers – albeit at speeds of up to 340 km/h!
Current leaders of the FIA World Endurance Championship, Porsche, has issued images of its 919 Hybrid steering wheel which has no fewer than 24 buttons and switches on the front, as well as six paddles on the back. A full description of the workings can be found on Porsche’s website.
The steering wheel can’t be any larger due to confines in the cockpit and the space required to safely and comfortably accommodate all drivers – no matter their height. Therefore, for some changes or operating functions, drivers have to reach over the steering wheel to the dashboard.
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