REPORT FROM THE FIA INSTITUTE ENVIRONMENTALLY
SUSTAINABLE MOTORSPORT COMMISSION
NOISE WORKING GROUP
John Symes, MSA Technical Director
16/11/2010
The Noise Working Group Considered:
• Is noise in motorsport an issue?
• What Regulations currently exist to control noise?
• What limits are imposed on venues?
• Existing methods of noise management
• What is the way forward?
The Noise Working Group Considered:
• Is noise in motorsport an issue?
• What Regulations currently exist to control noise?
• What limits are imposed on venues?
• Existing methods of noise management
• What is the way forward?
Is noise in motorsport an issue?
The Group agreed that:
Some noise is an integral part of motorsport that contributes to the spectacle and the enjoyment of
motorsport participants and enthusiasts.
To try and achieve silent motorsport would be inappropriate and unrealistic.
There are safety considerations to be considered. e.g. In Special Stage Rallying vehicle noise
warns spectators of the vehicle approach.
Motorsport must “live with its neighbours”.
Is noise in motorsport an issue?
The Group agreed that:
If noise is not controlled the viability of venues is likely to be adversely affected.
Substantial legal costs may be incurred in dealing with “noise complaints”.
Example:
Unsuccessful defence against private prosecution alleging noise nuisance by a Race Circuit:
Cost to Venue Operator – £1.3 million
Example:
Successful appeal against the imposition of a Noise Order:
Total legal costs circa £200,000
Is noise in motorsport an issue?
The Group agreed that:
It is desirable, as far as possible, to have constancy across all venues.
Different levels may be appropriate for different motorsport activities.
Example:
A higher vehicle noise level may be appropriate for “single start events” such as Speed hill climbs
Is noise in motorsport an issue?
The Group agreed that:
Tonal quality of the noise is significant:
- High frequency noise travels a shorter distance but is more “offensive” to the ear.
- Low frequency noise travels over a greater distance but is less “offensive” to the ear.
Wind direction and strength, humidity and barometric pressure all affect noise level generated by
an internal combustion engine.
Is noise in motorsport an issue?
The Group agreed that:
Vehicle noise is generally dominated by exhaust output but other sources can be significant:
Example:
- Transmission noise
- Tyre squeal
- Back firing, often as a result of using such as power shift systems
- Intake noise
- Cooling fans
Is noise in motorsport an issue?
Subsidiary noise sources in motorsport:
Public Address systems
Additional spectator entertainments, e.g. Air displays, fun fairs, etc.
Is noise in motorsport an issue?
CONCLUSION
Noise is an issue in motorsport and a very serious issue.
The Noise Working Group Considered:
• Is noise in motorsport an issue?
• What Regulations currently exist to control noise?
• What limits are imposed on venues?
• Existing methods of noise management
• What is the way forward?
What regulations currently exist to control noise?
Within FIA Regulations there are a number of different Regulations which have limited
consistency:
Appendix J – 257 Art. 5.6.3
The noise emitted by the car must not exceed 112 dB(A) during the qualifying sessions and the
race. The measurement must be carried out 15 metres from the edge of the track.
Appendix J – 257A Art. 5.3
The noise generated by the car must not exceed 110 dB(A)at 3,800 rpm or at ¾ maximum revs if
this is less. The measurement will be taken at a distance of 0.5m and at a 45 degree angle to the
point of exit of the exhaust.
Appendix J – 258A Art. 5.5.1
The noise generated by the car must not exceed 110dB(A) at 3,800 rpm or at ¾ maximum revs if
this is less. The measurement will be taken at a distance of 0.5m and at a 45 degree angle to the
point of exit of the exhaust.
What regulations currently exist to control noise?
Within FIA Regulations there are a number of different Regulations which have limited
consistency:
Appendix J – 259 Art. 5.10.1
...this freedom must not enable the maximum sound levels permitted by the laws of the country in
which the event is run to be exceeded.
Appendix J – 261 Art. 7.9
The exhaust system is free downstream of the cylinder head provided that the prescribed sound
levels of 100 dB(A) at 4,500 rpm measured in conformity with the FIA noise measuring method are
not exceeded.
Appendix J – 263 Art. 7.11
The exhaust system is free downstream of the cylinder head provided that the prescibed sound
levels of 110 dB(A) at 6,000 rpm measured in conformity with the FIA noise measuring method are
not exceeded.
What regulations currently exist to control noise?
Six different Regulations are exampled, all relate to cars competing on Race Circuits.
Similar cars
Five different regulations
The Noise Working Group Considered:
• Is noise in motorsport an issue?
• What Regulations currently exist to control noise?
• What limits are imposed on venues?
• Existing methods of noise management
• What is the way forward?
What limits are imposed on venues?
A high proportion of motorsport venues already have legal constraints imposed upon them.
Example:
In the UK:
17 Race Circuit venues
33 Kart Race venues
ALL have restrictions imposed on them.
What limits are imposed on venues?
Examples of restrictions:
• Number of days of operation allowed each year.
• Limited hours of operation.
• A pyramid structure of a small number of days at a prescribed limit, a larger number of days at a
lower limit etc.
• Maximum number of vehicles allowed on track at any one time.
• Limit type of engine e.g. four-stroke engines only.
• Mandatory quiet days.
What limits are imposed on venues?
Examples of restrictions:
• Mandatory quiet breaks during operational days.
• Prescribed maximum noise limits measured at defined locations.
• Specified maximum LEQ in a defined time period.
• Regulation by National Governing Bodies for ASN authorised events.
The Noise Working Group Considered:
• Is noise in motorsport an issue?
• What Regulations currently exist to control noise?
• What limits are imposed on venues?
• Existing methods of noise management
• What is the way forward?
Existing methods of noise management
The “half metre” test
The most common method of measuring exhaust noise currently used is the “half metre” test:
• Vehicle static, engine run at prescribed speed.
• Meter placed 0.5m from, and at a 45 degree angle to exhaust outlet.
• Defined maximum reading.
Existing methods of noise management
The “half metre” test
Advantages
• Relatively inexpensive
• Reasonably repeatable
• Virtually unaffected by outside influences
• Relatively limited skill level for operators
• Easily portable with minimal set-up
Existing methods of noise management
The “half metre” test
Disadvantages
• Open to abuse by competitors who may:
− “Cheat” on engine speed
− Re-programme ECU to pass the test
− Fit an exhaust to pass the test then change it for competition
• Creates noise outside of the competition activity
• Does not measure actual noise generated by the competition activity
Existing methods of noise management
Track activity scheduling
Provide a mixed meeting programme of quieter categories and noisier categories
Schedule quieter categories to open the days proceedings
Existing methods of noise management
Control Public Address system noise through:
Use of larger number of lower volume speakers
Reduce Public Address volume when no track activity
Use “smart systems” that adjust the PA volume automatically sector by sector
The Noise Working Group Considered:
• Is noise in motorsport an issue?
• What Regulations currently exist to control noise?
• What limits are imposed on venues?
• Existing methods of noise management
• What is the way forward?
What is the way forward?
Review existing Regulations
Reduce the number of categories that have no maximum vehicle noise limits
What is the way forward?
Drive by monitoring
Make more use of drive by monitoring:
• Already in use outside of authorised motorsport
• Proven technology
• Measures actual competition noise levels
• Data easily recordable
Vehicles positively identified by such as an image or transponder detection
For accuracy of noise reading a vehicle separation of in the order of 80m is likely to be required
Specific regulation required such as to facilitate situation whereby breach of limit causes car to be
withdrawn from the track next lap
What is the way forward?
Drive by monitoring
What is the way forward?
Drive by monitoring
Standard test conditions required. E.g.:
• Defined distance of meter microphone from track
• Defined height of microphone above track surface
• Use microphones both sides of track to take average?
• Suspend microphone over track surface at defined height?
• Position of microphone on track to be defined so that vehicles under full power
What is the way forward?
Drive by monitoring
Does not create additional noise over that created by competition activity
System can also be used at non-race events such as:
• Speed Hill Climbs
• Sprint events
• Rallycross
• Karting (already used for six years in the UK)
What is the way forward?
Can drive by technology really replace the static test?
Probably not likely to remain appropriate for:
• Multi-venue activities such as Stage Rally and Cross Country events
• Lower level club type events at temporary venues