Literature review of race driver fatigue measurement in endurance motorsport

Driver fatigue in endurance motor racing, has been problematic for driver safety and optimal performance. Historically in this sport focus has been primary on improving mechanical performance; making the racecar light, faster and improving grip (aerodynamics and suspension geometry). Driver safety has come secondary. A series of fatal accidents that were attributed to fatigue have led to rule changes; however, these were made with little understanding of the driver fatigue (type/level). As the literature indicates few publicly available studies into driver fatigue take into account all of the identified stresses for endurance motor racing. Technology has progressed where it is now easier to quantify self with the use of appropriately selected and placed sensors. This literature review aims to highlight the need for sports engineers to develop a new electronic system for fatigue measurement in endurance motor racing and is the first part of a major research project in the development of a system for race driver fatigue measurement. © 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd. Peer-review under responsibility of the School of Aerospace, Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, RMIT University.