Why the tide is turning in favor of torque sensors for better BoP, what plans there are in the DTM, and which new manufacturer is a candidate
Even though SRO boss Stephane Ratel ruled out torque sensors for better balance of performance in his GT3 series for all time just a year ago, the tide now seems to be turning: Following the decision to introduce them in the GT World Cup in Macau, which is promoted by SRO,
And that’s despite ADAC motorsport boss Thomas Voss publicly putting the brakes on the idea. “The introduction of torque sensors in racing series by other promoters has not yet had any demonstrable positive effects on vehicle classification,” says Voss about the measuring shafts.
They measure the engine power at the drive shaft, revealing how much power is actually reaching the wheel. The aim is to make it much more difficult for teams and manufacturers to conceal their own potential or exploit hidden performance characteristics.
ADAC warns of costs: “100,000 euros per vehicle”
“In addition, the investment in these sensors is considerable – it amounts to at least 100,000 euros per vehicle,” says Voss, citing another argument against the technology. “Given the lack of evidence of a clear benefit and the fact that there have even been reports of technical problems with its application, we currently see no justification for these high costs.”
The current DTM BoP, which is being implemented by Ratels SRO Motorsports Group on behalf of the ADAC, works “effectively” and, according to Voss, “ensures fair competition. We will continue to monitor the development of this technology, but it will only be introduced once a clear and significant advantage for all parties involved has been demonstrated.”
DTM introduction initially only for monitoring?
But doesn’t this statement contradict potential use, which – as we hear – is already being considered for 2026? That is only partially the case, because the plan apparently envisages using the system for monitoring purposes only in the coming season. And not, as in the WEC, the IMSA series and in Macau, as a regulatory tool that results in penalties for violations of the limits.
But didn’t the ADAC warn about the costs? That’s because MagCanica, a company based in San Diego, California, currently has a monopoly on the market. In order for the torque sensors to be installed, they are reassembled in Europe after installation.
A set of drive shafts with built-in torque sensors costs around €40,000. One set is sufficient for one season, but there are also logistics costs and an additional engineer. Anyone who also values spare parts will have to pay even more.
Rutronik & Co.: New manufacturers ensure cost reductions
However, this is set to become significantly cheaper by 2026, as several European suppliers are currently pushing their way onto the market. One of these is Rutronik, a company based in Baden-Württemberg that is best known in motorsport for its successful GT3 racing team.
“We are looking into it,” confirms Fabian Plentz, who heads up operations at Rutronik. The goal is to “build a cheaper alternative. We are very confident that we can offer a good solution.”
However, the product considered the hottest contender in the DTM comes from Zug-based electric car start-up Piech Automotive, which is headed by former AMG and Aston Martin boss Tobias Moers. The torque sensor from Switzerland is said to be significantly cheaper than the US product: there is even talk of costs in the region of just €5,000, but it should definitely cost less than half the price of the MagCanica solution.
Does this mean the BoP debate is over? That is doubtful, because in motorsport it is common for efforts to gain an advantage to focus on one gray area when another is closed. However, engine tuning should then no longer play a role – and, above all, there would be fewer opportunities for turbo manufacturers to play with performance, according to rumors in the paddock.
