By applying Darwinian principles to the art of motor racing, the
researchers demonstrate in simulations that it's possible to
knock crucial tenths of a second off lap time by tailoring a
car's setup to whatever conditions are faced on the track. In a
paper to be presented later this month at a conference in
Seattle, researchers will report on a new computer model based
on genetic algorithms that optimises performance by selectively
combining the best settings of Formula One cars to produce the
ultimate configuration. Results show it's possible to shave 0.88
of a second per lap from the best time. In an industry where
1/100th of a second can separate a winner from a loser, that can
make all the difference. Dr. Peter Bentley, leader of the
Digital Biology Group at UCL's Department of Computer Science
and senior author of the study, says: "Formula One spends
millions each year designing and applying the latest technology
to ensure their cars can handle whatever is thrown at them on
the track. Each car can be mod