For the Renault F1 team, every lap is a learning experience. Whether it's the first test drive of a new engine or the final turn of the Monaco Grand Prix, critical data collected by a car's information management system, provides Renault's racing specialists with valuable feedback on their car's performance. To maximize their efficiency in putting this data to use, the Renault F1 development team set out to build a new high-tech, car analysis system that would accelerate their ability to gather, analyze, and access this information. Their new system would come to incorporate the latest advancements in XML technology; at its heart would be X-Hive/DB, a native XML database from X-Hive Corporation.

How it works
The race car's information management system collects data from the car's several sensors, which track measurements from different parts such as the engine, tires, chassis, etc. This data is then transferred via a radio connection along the race track to Renault's computers in the pits (at a speed of 50 KB per second.) In addition to the car's internal systems, external environmental factors, such as weather and track conditions are also recorded, as are video and audio signals generated from the run. All of this information is compiled and stored in XML, and is made accessible to Renault's team of racing specialists via a secure web portal. These specialists include mechanics, engineers, and designers who then use the information to provide real-time diagnoses of the car's performance.

Why native XML storage?
Due to the speed requirements and complexity of the data involved in their application, Renault's development team knew that they could not 'afford' the time it would take for a relational database to break down the XML tree and store each data element as an individual component. In searching for an XML storage foundation for their system, they focused their evaluation efforts on native XML databases. After extensively testing some of the leading products on the market, they selected X-Hive/DB.

Why X-Hive/DB?
According to Renault F1's IT Director, Christophe Verdier, X-Hive/DB was chosen for its ability to quickly process complex raw data into the hierarchical structure of XML. "The complexity of the queries we need to perform requires some very intense calculations", explains Verdier. By storing this data in X-Hive/DB we are able to perform "what if" analyses very efficiently and then draw up different scenarios as required. For what we're doing, we needed a reliable combination of speed, accessibility, and robust storage...and X-Hive/DB was the database that delivered."

Verdier also attributes their selection of X-Hive/DB to its use of opens standards. "Since we are often dealing with a so many proprietary data formats, it is important for us to have a centralized database that can be easily integrated with our other development tools" he explains.

Results
Renault's innovation brings technology in Formula One Racing to a whole new level. By incorporating the most advanced XML technology on the market, they have laid the foundation for improved intelligence to give their team a competitive edge. Armed with real-time data, Renault's racing specialists will be better equipped than ever with the information they need to fine-tune and optimize their fleet of Formula One race cars. The implementation of their new system based upon X-Hive/DB accomplishes their goal of "split-second" data storage... in an arena where a split second makes all of the difference.