Porsche Motorsport’s IT Head Talks Technology and Racing
VentureBeat recently had the opportunity to interview Friedemann Kurz, the Head of IT for Porsche Motorsport, a seasoned expert in merging technology with the high-stakes world of racing. With decades of experience under his belt, Kurz plays a pivotal role in overseeing the IT operations of the TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team, ensuring that their technology remains resilient and adaptable in the fast-paced racing environment.
The Formula E series, with its 16 races spread across 10 cities worldwide, presents unique challenges for IT management. Kurz and his team must establish secure and high-performance networks at each race location to facilitate real-time data transfer for race strategy and diagnostics. Speeds reaching 320 km/h demand a robust IT infrastructure that can support rapid global scalability and maintain a competitive edge for the TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team.
To meet these demands, the team has partnered with CATO Networks since 2023 to efficiently connect and secure their operations, including pit crews, data centers, mobile users, cloud resources, and operational sites.
In our interview with Kurz, he shared insights on various aspects of IT management in the motorsport industry:
Head of IT Role and Cybersecurity Alignment:
Kurz explained that his role encompasses overseeing digital infrastructure, data management, cybersecurity, and performance optimization. Data integrity is crucial for race strategy and car diagnostics, making cybersecurity essential to protect against interruptions and compromises.
Unique IT Challenges in Formula E:
Formula E’s global circuit requires the team to navigate different regulatory, bandwidth, and logistical constraints in each city. With limited bandwidth shared across applications, prioritization is key for bandwidth-heavy tasks like telemetry and communications. CATO Networks’ solutions enable rapid deployment and secure connections, adapting to each location’s conditions seamlessly.
Real-time Data Management and Security:
Real-time data is vital for strategic race adjustments, requiring seamless and secure data flow. Security measures are embedded in the IT setup to prevent disruptions and maintain data integrity, allowing the team to focus on strategic decisions without concerns about vulnerabilities.
Agility and Lightweight Infrastructure:
The team’s focus on agility and performance led them to opt for a lightweight IT setup, eliminating bulky server racks in favor of streamlined solutions like Cato’s SD-WAN devices. This approach prioritizes flexibility, performance, and minimal physical footprint, showcasing the coexistence of agility and security in a high-demand environment.
Local Regulations and Network Compliance:
Navigating diverse data privacy laws and network restrictions in different countries is a challenge that the team manages with Cato Networks’ PoPs, ensuring secure connections while adhering to local regulations without compromising compliance.
Real-time Threat Detection and Response:
The team’s approach to handling anomalies and security threats involves instant identification, logging, and response with the help of Cato’s experts, ensuring quick reactions in a high-stakes environment where milliseconds matter.
Harnessing AI and Machine Learning:
AI and machine learning play a significant role in automating processes, optimizing race-day operations, and refining energy management strategies. The team explores AI’s potential for dynamic adjustments and real-time decision-making to enhance race outcomes.
Adopting New Technology:
The team adopts new technology iteratively, based on performance metrics and post-race analysis. Integrating new tools requires seamless compatibility with existing systems and measurable improvements in performance or security, emphasizing the balance between reliability and innovation.
Edge Computing and Network Security:
Balancing edge computing needs with network security is achieved through end-to-end encryption and fast data transfer between Cato’s PoPs, ensuring secure and efficient operations during races.
Lessons for Other Industries:
The team’s cybersecurity approach highlights the importance of agility and security in scaling operations or entering new markets. Lightweight and flexible infrastructure, coupled with cloud-native solutions, can enhance scalability and efficiency without compromising security, offering valuable insights for enterprises across industries.
In conclusion, Porsche Motorsport’s innovative approach to IT management in the Formula E series sets a benchmark for merging technology with high-performance racing, showcasing the importance of agility, security, and efficiency in a fast-paced and competitive environment.