Capgemini & Peugeot: Boosting Sustainable Motorsport with AI
The intersection of peak automotive performance and environmental sustainability is putting businesses under pressure to juggle competitive edge with eco-conscious practices.
A vivid example is found in the motorsports arena where dynamic and extensive racing challenges teams to minimise their ecological footprint across varied aspects including logistics, production and the races itself.
A partnership between Peugeot's motorsport division and Capgemini focusses on the 9X8 Hypercar participating in the FIA World Endurance Championship and looks to integrate AI with motorsports.
Their collaboration is a testament to the broader trend of tech firms bolstering motorsport teams’ prowess while aligning with sustainability goals.
“Today, AI has become a key element of our racing strategy, confirmed by improved results at the end of the 2024 season.”
AI for improved performance
Capgemini has developed a robust data engineering platform over the past two years, which leverages real and simulated race data to optimise vehicle and driver performance.
The core of this system lies in an AI model coupled with virtual sensors fitted within the PEUGEOT 9X8’s onboard computer.
These sensors enable the model to tweak the car's performance metrics in real-time, substantially cutting down data processing times for race engineers from an entire day to mere minutes.
The ongoing enhancements will usher in the use of Gen AI to refine the analysis of sensor-generated data over long-duration races.
Moreover, the system will enhance communication between drivers and engineers, highlighting both the technological strides and the integral role of continuous communication in endurance racing.
Reducing emissions with technology
Capgemini's initiatives with Peugeot Sport and its parent company Stellantis go beyond mere performance enhancement to embrace substantial reductions in carbon emissions.
The partnership, which kicked off in 2022, encompasses a comprehensive tracking and management plan for emissions produced through vehicle operation, parts manufacturing, team logistics and event management.
The partnership's ambitious goal is to implement 30 distinct initiatives aimed at reducing greenhouse gases by 2030.
Moreover, these sustainability efforts reach further than the immediate demands of the FIA World Endurance Championship.
Research and development teams focus on eco-design, a strategy that embeds environmental considerations into the vehicle production process without sacrificing performance.
Engagements also extend to suppliers, with whom Peugeot Sport collaborates closely to reduce emissions across the supply chain.
Further rounding out their environmental strategy is the advent of climate awareness workshops, the prioritisation of maritime freighting and the adoption of renewable biofuels for support vehicles, which cut greenhouse gas emissions by up to 85% compared to traditional fuels.
Jean-Marc Finot, Senior VP of Stellantis Motorsport, says: "The WEC Championship is an essential discipline for Team Peugeot TotalEnergies. The visibility and prestige of the 24 Hours of Le Mans make it a key event to showcase the advancements and improvements made by all actors in motorsport.
“Beyond the sporting event, we play a pioneering role in sustainability by developing tomorrow's technologies.”
Capgemini's broader global impact
The strategic partnership also aligns with Capgemini's larger global sports sponsorship plans, which include high-visibility events like the Rugby World Cup and Ryder Cup.
The push towards integrating AI in racing strategies has already shown promising results, especially evident in improved performance metrics at major races such as those in Fuji and Bahrain in the 2024 season.
Andrea Falleni, Chief Executive Officer of Capgemini in Southern Europe and Member of the Group Executive Board, says: "We are delighted to continue our collaboration to enhance Peugeot Sport's performance, both in terms of sporting results and the environmental impact of motorsport, by providing the latest AI technologies and our expertise in decarbonisation."
Jean concludes: “Today, AI has become a key element of our racing strategy, confirmed by improved results at the end of the 2024 season, particularly at Fuji and Bahrain."
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