Innovative virtual bobsleigh animation succefully introduced at Viemann FIBT World Cup in Altenberg

(15/01/2015) The Viessmann FIBT Bobsleigh and Skeleton World Cup event in Altenberg, Germany, last weekend, saw the introduction of a new feature adding to the TV experience for viewers worldwide. Main sponsor and technology partner BMW has driven the research, technology and development of a 3D animation - providing a virtual bobsleigh ride through selected tracks of the FIBT World Cup to introduce their particular features.

The 1:24 minute long animation is complemented by data on the characteristics of each run, the physical force experienced by the athletes as well as the resulting technological requirements. In particular, the three key positions of the race track are portrayed through different angles, with a transparent view inside the steering system.

Infront offers further enhanced HDTV signal

Together with the F d ration Internationale de Bobsleigh et Tobogganing (FIBT) as well as its media, marketing and production partner Infront Sports & Media, the feature provided by BMW has now been offered to all FIBT broadcasters worldwide. Infront produces the Viessmann FIBT World Cup Tour with more than 30 cameras in HD quality the virtual animation adding a valuable insight to the sport before the start of the race. The complex animated HD material will also be used to generate static graphics, made available to online and print media without copyright for editorial reporting.

Friedrich Edel, Head of Sports Marketing BMW Germany, said: As well as the work in the BMW wind tunnel, computer-aided analysis methods are used in the development of the sports equipment, using a 3D model to determine the aerodynamic characteristics. We want to bring this competency to our new partnership with the FIBT and visualise the fascination as well as the technological aspect of the sport for fans of winter sports.

Ivo Ferriani, FIBT President, commented: BMW is appreciated for excellent cars all over the world, the FIBT values the committed winter sport partner BMW as main sponsor for the first time this season. The animations that BMW creates from the FIBT World Cup tracks in Altenberg and K nigssee as well as from the 2015 BMW FIBT Bobsleigh and Skeleton World Championships venue in Winterberg are outstanding. They deliver a unique insight into the different tracks and the fascinating technology behind our sport.

Synergies between marketing, media and production

Bruno Marty, Executive Director Winter Sports, added: With BMW we have a sponsor on board that is keen to develop the FIBT flagship events on all ends, contributing its expert knowledge and adding value for the fans. Thanks to our 360 involvement in the marketing, media and production of the races, we are able to build synergies between the different fields, providing innovative solutions for broadcasters and fans as well as enhancing the overall appearance of the sport.

The 3D animation will also be available for the Viessmann FIBT World Cup in K nigssee, Germany, from 16 to 18 January 2015, as well as for the BMW FIBT World Championships in Winterberg from 23 February to 8 March 2015.

About Infront Sports & Media

Infront Sports & Media is the most respected sports marketing company in the world, managing a comprehensive portfolio of top properties. Led by President & CEO Philippe Blatter, Infront covers all aspects of successful sporting events including distribution of media rights, sponsorship, media production and event operation and has won a reputation for its high standards of delivery. As the number one player in winter sport and with a leading role in football and summer sports, Infront enjoys long-lasting partnerships with 160 rights-holders and hundreds of sponsors and media companies. Headquartered in Zug, Switzerland, Infront has a team of 600 experienced staff working from 25 offices across 12 countries, delivering 4,000 event days of top class sport around the world every year.

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