Formula 1: Wuppertal wins Grand Prix in Monaco

The Wuppertal logo on the rear wing of Brawn GP Formula 1 team’s cars did not only create a furore among TV commentators and spectators, but also Pole Position for the team in Monaco. German communications technology provider Riedel Communications was responsible for this unusual promotion of the German city, where the company develops and manufactures its leading-edge products.

Riedel has been supplying its products and services to many aspects of Formula 1 since 1993. Today this includes the majority of the Formula 1 teams as well as the FIA Formula 1 organisation and the related broadcast production services. Riedel is renowned for being an impartial and reliable communications service provider. Riedel Communications for the main part operates in the “background” and helps maintain the smooth operation of the races whilst overcoming many technical and operational challenges.

“Wuppertal is more than just the hometown of Riedel. Like us, it’s a kind of ‘hidden champion’. It is the birthplace place of many global brands including Aspirin™ and home to the world-renowned suspension railway “Schwebebahn”. Wuppertal is a place where innovation and technology converge to provide high-tech products and manufacturing. We thought it’s about time to make the world more aware of this”, said Thomas Riedel, Managing Director of Riedel Communications. “Brawn GP is our latest customer in Formula 1 and this gave us the opportunity for this unusual promotion.”

Riedel have recently provided a comprehensive communications and data solution for the Brawn-GP Formula 1 team. The system provides high quality voice communications between team principal Ross Brawn, the drivers Jenson Button and Rubens Barrichello, the team’s engineers (at the circuit or Brawn GP’s HQ in the UK) and race control. At the circuit the team’s Riedel system includes three Artist 32 Digital Matrix Intercom mainframes, 22x Artist 1000 Control Panels and a C44 system interface for seamless integration of three Performer C3 Digital Partyline Beltpacks. Three RiFace radio interfaces integrate the digital wireless communications based on 114x Motorola MTP700 2-way TETRA radios with the Artist Intercom system.

The installation at the circuit is connected via Riedel’s MPLS data service back to Brawn GP’s headquarters in Brackley, where another Artist system serves as the heart of the HQ’s communications installation.

All Brawn GP team members use Riedel MAX headsets, which have been specifically designed for use in areas with high ambient noise levels - such as motor sports. It features excellent noise reduction capabilities and therefore provides optimal hearing protection for its users. In addition the special noise cancelling electret or dynamic microphone guarantees clear communications in all conditions.