Beru TPMS Offers WRC Tyre Mousse Alternative

Twenty years on from the introduction of mousse-equipped tyres in the WRC, the technology that allows drivers to continue to the end of the stage is to be banned for 2008. However Beru F1 Systems is taking capitalising on the fact that there are no rules against early warning tyre pressure monitoring systems (TPMS).

“The mousse ban means drivers need reliable information about tyre condition and performance to prevent damage to the car,” says Beru F1 Systems’ managing director John Bailey. “Digi Tyre could give them warning about potential safety issues or whether changing the wheel is the best solution.”

The Digi Tyre system has already proved its reliability in harsh environments including Rally Raid, Le Mans and F1. Weighing in at a mere 35g, the TPMS mounts securely to the wheel and transmits to digital antennae, which feeds information to an ECU and the in-vehicle display. Actual pressure and temperature can be seen in real time, offering the accurate data to driver or co-driver.

The system is flexible enough to automatically identify wheel changes without software reprogramming. In the service park, wireless handheld devices offer the opportunity for mechanics and engineers to assess temperature and pressure without physically touching the car.
The system will also offer benefits in testing too. “The safety and performance advantages of tyre monitoring together with optimisation of tyre wear and vehicle handling characteristics will assist engineers to maximise even a limited test schedule,” concludes Bailey.

Beru F1 Systems current activity in WRC includes the manufacture of wiring looms for WRC and S2000 cars together with composite components,torque measurement systems, loadcells and the range of Autosport connectors.