Bright technology to transform F1 racing
The technology used in Australian headlamps could soon be used for Formula One events.
Hella Australia has transferred the reflector technology used in its lamps for some locally made cars, including the Holden Commodore, into a giant lighting operation developed for potential use at the ING Australian Grand Prix. It could even be used to light the world’s first Formula One night race, in Singapore in September.
The system was developed by Hella in Melbourne and has been tested in secret at the Calder Park Raceway.
The test included laps by F1 racer Mark Webber in an Elfin sports car, five-time world motorcycle champion Mick Doohan on a road bike and Leanne Tander in her Formula Three car. Results have been submitted to the world governing body of motorsport, the FIA, to have the Hella system certified for grand prix use.
“We’ve shown it can be done,” says Hella Australia’s Thomas Plessinger. “A year ago it was a dream; now we know it’s realistic. And not only from our perspective, but for F1. It’s possible we could light all motorsport.”
The multi-million-dollar program was approved by Hella headquarters in Europe and Plessinger has been marketing the new system at several sites.
Details of the Hella system are secret, but Plessinger says there is a link to road-car technology.
“Hella has been making automotive lamps for 108 years. This is similar to car-headlamp technology, reflecting the light in a similar way. It has been designed, developed and made in Australia.”
Forty-four units were built for the test at Calder Park and the manufacturing team is on standby for a full production run.
Hella is waiting to see what happens in Singapore and also for a firm plan for a night race at Melbourne’s Albert Park.