Gearbox - Obviously getting all that power down onto the tarmac is a difficult task, a task that is down to the gearbox and tyres. The modern F1 gearbox is around the size of a male adult fist, and in that tiny space it contains seven forward and one reverse gears. This is then connected to an even smaller clutch, usually of multi-plate, carbon design that is capable of handling over 900bhp. New for this year is 'seamless shift' technology. A few of the teams introduced this in last year's cars (notably Honda), and is the default for all the teams this year. A seamless shift gearbox has been deemed not to contravene the CVT (Constantly Variable Transmission) ban introduced in the 80s, but it almost eliminates the few miliseconds of drive loss, this is said to equate to around 5 seconds per race.
Tyres - Tyres in F1 are like no other on the planet. They are not slicks as found on most open seat formulas, instead they are grooved tyres. Each tyre must contain 4 grooves around the circumference of the carcass, this was introduced to generate more movement in the tyre, and hopefully slow the cars down, it has however done no such thing. Tyres are designed to last for around half the race distance, and generate enormous grip. This year Bridgestone will supply all teams. Two compounds will be taken to each race, and the teams must use both in the race, they will be marked so watchers can see which tyres the drivers are using at any time.
Aerodynamics - The aero packages of the cars generate massive amounts of down-force. To illustrate the massive down force generated by the F1 cars, I will compare it to the Indy Cars of the American premier single seater series. The Indy Cars generate a 1:1 weight to down-force ratio at around 120mph, this same balance is created at only 70mph on an F1 car, and at 120mph the F1 cars are generating in excess of a 2:1 ratio. In theory this allows them to 'drive on the ceiling'. Besides the engine, the aerodynamics are where teams spend most of their money, and gain most of their time. All of the top teams have at least one full size wind tunnel, and these are run 24 hours a day. Teams also employ fluid dynamics to test their changes in computer simulation before they ever get to the wind tunnel.
Article comments
1 - ludo
A bit more on the tyres rule!
So one manufacturer has four different tyre hardnesses for F1 but is only allowed to use two in any one race, to 'give an exciting finish"., and ensure that team tactics play a part. It was better when there were two manufacturers, more combinations. It's all a bit artificial isn't it? What resemblance does this have to the real world, where you can pick from hundreds of different tyres, not knowing how "hard" they are. You can only rely on tyre surveys from real people, and acquire a bit of knowledge on how the tyre people achieve these different compounds.
2 - Ashleigh
I sort of agree, I think the series was better with two manufacturers, in fact bring back Dunlop and have three.
That said the rules are to decrease the cost's and impede the speed's. With one manufacturer the FIA can dictate the performance level of the tyres, this years are very reminicent of the 2004 tyres, not the 2007 ones for instance.
2008's slick tyres will be different again, and Michelin are challenging the FIA over what they perseve to be unfair.
At least with all the cars running the same two compounds over the weekend, we can garantee that the performance advantage difference between the two tyre manufacturers at different tracks is now negated, even if last years Michelin runners are struggling in the new Bridgestone rubber more than Ferrari.
3 - ERIC BLUMER
AS A REAL NEWCOMER TO THIS SPORT AND UNDERSTANDING A LITTLE MORE ABOUT NASCAR I HAVE FOUND THAT AFTER WATCHING THESE F1 AND INDY RACES NASCAR IS JUST TOO BORING AND SLOW FOR ME.
PLEASE HELP ME FIND A SITE WHERE I CAN GET A DOWNLOADED REAL DUMMIES,BEGINNERS GUIDE TO RACING F1 AND INDY THAT EXPLAINS EVERY DETAIL LIKE YOU WERE SPEAKING TO A CHILD THAT KNOWS ABSOLUTELY ZIP ABOUT RACING.
UNFORTUNATELY I HAVE TO FIGURE THIS OUT ON MY OWN AND IT IS VERY HARD TO UNDESTAND CERTAIN ASPECTS OF RACING.
4 - bookvalue
F1 is insane. They need to stop worrying so much about the rules and money and just race the damn cars! I want them to be able to do whatever they can, may the fastest car win! Now that would be exciting!