Paddock Magazine had an exclusive conversation with Jochen Braunwarth, the Director of Motorsport Solutions at Geobrugg, a Swiss company known globally for its advanced safety systems.
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Introduction
Geobrugg, a Swiss company with over 50 years of experience, is the world leader in producing high-tensile steel wire safety nets and meshes. Their expertise, honed in protecting natural assets and safeguarding lives across various sectors, has now extended to the high-stakes world of motorsport. Today, their state-of-the-art safety systems, installed on racetracks worldwide, instill confidence in both drivers and spectators, ensuring their safety. In this interview, we delve into the details with Jochen Braunwarth, Geobrugg’s Director of Motorsport Solutions, to learn more about the company’s innovations and the challenges they face in the fast-paced world of motorsport.
Jochen, to start, could you introduce Geobrugg and its evolution into the motorsport sector?
Jochen Braunwarth: Certainly, Daniel. Geobrugg has pioneered protection systems for over 50 years, primarily focusing on natural hazards such as rockfall, slope stabilization, and avalanche barriers. Our expertise is rooted in developing solutions that manage high-energy impacts—whether that’s a falling boulder or, more recently, a racing car at high speed. About 15 years ago, we were approached by the FIA, the governing body for world motor sport, to use our test facilities and experience to evaluate existing safety products in the market. This marked our entry into motorsport, and since then, we’ve become increasingly active in this field, bringing our extensive knowledge of impact dynamics to racetrack safety.
Geobrugg is now well-known for its motorsport safety systems. Can you tell us about the different systems you provide for racetracks?
Jochen Braunwarth: Initially, we started with permanent installations like debris fences, with our first major project at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia. But it quickly became apparent that a single product wouldn’t suffice for all racetrack needs. Different tracks require different solutions; city circuits, for instance, need mobile debris fences for quick setups and teardowns. There’s also a need for robust pit wall systems. Over the…
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