In motorsport, milliseconds matter — and so does data. For the past three years, Tekscan and channel partner CMV have proudly sponsored Formula Student racing teams, offering them access to high-resolution pressure measurement systems to validate tire models, optimize vehicle setups, and accelerate development cycles. Formula Student is an international engineering competition where teams, build, test, and race a small-scale formula style racing car.

Engineering Decisions Backed by Data

During the 2024 season, CMV worked hands-on with student engineers to capture and analyze tire footprint and pressure distribution data using Tekscan solutions. These measurements enabled the teams to:

• Validate tire models with real-world data
• Optimize suspension and chassis parameters for maximum grip and stability
• Identify uneven loading or setup issues before track testing
• Shorten the iteration cycle, allowing more time for performance improvements

The result: vehicles that performed reliably on race day, with data-driven confidence in the setup process.

Applied Surface Sensing Technology in Action

• Rennteam Uni Stuttgart: Used Tekscan tire measurement data to perfect their race car’s setup, contributing to consistent handling and world-class performance. This team previously broke the Formula Student Electric world acceleration record (0–100 km/h in 1.461 seconds).
• WOB-Racing (Ostfalia University of Applied Sciences): Leveraged Tekscan solutions to streamline chassis development and analyze complex system interactions, helping engineers make better-informed design choices earlier in the build process.
• Lions Racing Team e.V. (2025): Currently using Tekscan measurements during their development cycle; results will be shared later this season.

Building Future Automotive Innovators

Beyond these impressive results, these collaborations equip tomorrow’s engineers with hands-on experience using professional-grade tools — experience they’ll carry into automotive, motorsport, and tire development careers. Several students have already shared their plans to introduce Tekscan technology to their future employers, underscoring the long-term value of these partnerships.

Interested in learning more about insights that one premier tire testing facility has derived from pressure mapping technology? Read this article: Case Study: Verifying Tire Contact Loss During Extreme Cornering