MotoGP in 3D

A select audience including MotoGP racers Dani Pedrosa and Jorge Lorenzo screened a video demonstrating the new technology during the Indianapolis Grand Prix weekend. The video, edited from test footage filmed at the 2009 U.S. Grand Prix at Laguna Seca,

It was amazing, says Pedrosa. I saw a brief demonstration in Laguna, but this was more detailed today. When you see the images its really impressive; its like actually being there at the racetrack.

The video was produced by 3D and digital systems specialists Pace, and Academy Award winning special effects artist John Bruno. Footage was shot using the Pace 3D Fusion system which uses special dual lenses to capture left-eye and right-eye imagery. The two perspectives are combined in postproduction to create depth perception. The technology was also used to film director James Camerons upcoming film, Avatar.

It was Bruno, who won an Oscar for his work on Camerons The Abyss in 1989, that came up with the idea of using the 3D technology with MotoGP.

I saw MotoGP and I knew that this was the sport that would showcase our 3D technology to best effect, say Bruno.

The three-minute demonstration video featured racing footage as well as pit action and interviews.

Dorna already has a reputation for bringing the camera to the most demanding and entertaining position, as the racers speed around the track in excess of 300 km/h, says Vince Pace, founder of Pace. Together I am confident that we can use our 3D system to enhance this reputation further, putting the viewer onboard with the rider as they actually ride the race.