BMW Motorsport banks on Osram's 'biologically effective light' to gain advantage

By CARSIFU | 25 May 2017


MUNICH: Light affects performance in motorsports, which is why Osram is working with BMW Motorsport to create “biologically effective light”.

Such lighting can have a positive effect on an athlete, for example by signalling to the body to become active and perform at its best, even at an inconvenient time of day. Conversely, it can also initiate and facilitate relaxation.

LED light glasses are used to help the drivers prepare for races. The blue LED light prepares them for the competition by stimulating the central nervous system. In addition, special luminaires are installed in common rooms and the pit wall control centre for the benefit of both drivers and engineers. They emit light with a high blue component, helping to heighten and maintain concentration levels even during the night session.

At the May 27-28 Nürburgring 24 Hours, this technology can be used to systematically prepare the drivers for their outings in the dark and to allow them to return to optimal performance faster after rest periods.

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“Light plays a crucial role in a 24-hour race – not only for the car, but also for us as drivers,” said DTM champion Marco Wittmann, who will compete at the “Green Hell” in the number 42 BMW M6 GT3 for BMW Team Schnitzer. “I think it’s great that we are taking a new approach this year. Every percentage of the race that you can be more awake and focused as a driver can be what ends up making the difference.”

His team-mate Martin Tomczyk added: “Maximum concentration – that is our priority as drivers during the night in 24-hour races. Which is why I have high hopes for the innovations in the area of light that we are going to test this time at BMW Team Schnitzer. You always have to try new things in motorsport to gain an advantage. This is definitely one of those things.”

For the race engineers who also have to perform at their peak, artificial daylight will also be used at their work spaces during the night shifts and at the Schnitzer pit stand.

Sport is not the only sector in which biologically effective light is used. The technology can also be employed on airplanes to reduce the jet lag caused by longer journeys. Used correctly, it can speed up the rate of recovery from one hour time difference per day - without light support - to up to three hours per day.

It's also used in schools, where it helps boost the students' concentration. Installed in retirement or nursing homes, it can help stabilise dementia sufferers who have lost track of their day/night cycle. The technology is used in offices as well, where Osram provides special luminaires and control systems that adapt the colour and intensity of the light over the course of the day, thus optimising the performance and concentration levels of office workers.

Osram is the official partner for the endurance classic in Germany’s Eifel mountains.

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