Official Formula 1 2012 thread

[E-Thirty]

Trailer for the new movie from Ron Howard " Rush ", looks to be a do not miss movie.

http://rush-movie-trailer.blogspot.com/

Can't wait to see the 'ring scene. Hope they do it justice in a proper film.

[E-Thirty]

^^Like the good 'ol days of ABS and traction control? /sarcasm

[tg318is]

There is: Ground Effects. GP2 uses it.

Ground effect aerodynamics is a fairly loose term as the front + rear wings/ all the other little 'winglets' fall under this category.

Formula 1 introduced ground effects on underside of the car back in the 70s. The Lotus of '77? had flexible skirts which sealed it to the ground. This idea was developed through the 80s which made the cars capable of pulling ridiculous G's though corners, putting the drivers life at risk. The FIA banned it, and since then the cars have had to have 'flat' floors with a wooden plank that is scrutinised before/ at the end of every race/ weekend (can't be under 9mm thick after the race).

The cars are aimed at defending position as much as attacking now. That's why there is this 'dirty air' behind the cars these days. They can't disturb the airflow underneath the car, so they have to manipulate the air flowing over/ around, which causes drag (turbulence), which affects the following car's behaviour drastically, hence no overtaking. The FIA have limited the amount of 'winglets' on the cars because of the reduction in overtaking, but the teams still find ways to disturb the airflow.

The introduction of DRS and the push to pass KERS systems also reduced the teams thoughts for overtaking as these two systems provided a way of overtaking. No re-fuelling and shitty tyres exaggerate the effects of the ground-effects rules and the two systems. The sport has invested too much money in all of this junk to just drop it and develop other means for downforce and corner grip.


I'm not arguing with you, just reasoning why the FIA won't reintroduce floor ground-effects.

[naplesE30]

Well said tg318is. I hate these new tires. No longer do you have to be a fast driver to be in f1, as many are capable of driving these cars to 90% of the cars capability. It's quickly becoming a sham, artificially close racing to draw in casual fans....... ie. America. Bernie and the manufacturers are no fools, they see what works in nascrap and is following their lead. I wouldn't be surprised if they double the points system next year so their are bigger point swings, thus keeping more drivers in the champ hunt.

[R3Z3N]

There has to be a better solution to the dirty air problem than a push to pass system that gifts a driver the position without providing a proper fight.

There is: Ground Effects. GP2 uses it.

[tg318is]

regardless of the coverage, that was a pretty good race, bummed Alonso couldn't keep the tires together but that was a team decision. good job and I'm loving 7 different winners in 7 races

As thrilling and wide open the championship is, it's a joke. This result is all due to DRS and tyres. Smart strategy and a few consistent laps either side of pit-stops paired with taking care of your tyres USUALLY means you're safe.. And there has to be a better solution to the dirty air problem than a push to pass system that gifts a driver the position without providing a proper fight. It's not racing. Formula 1 is fast becoming a joke.

[Pinepig]

Trailer for the new movie from Ron Howard " Rush ", looks to be a do not miss movie.

http://rush-movie-trailer.blogspot.com/

[b*saint]

I hate those damn wheel nuts.

[Jon325i]

Great race....the podium result was very unexpected given how quali went. You have to wonder which race will see the first repeat winner of the season. Very exciting to say the least.

Jon

[E-Thirty]

Great season so far. As much as I can't stand Hamilton, he kept it together.

Anyone else feel bad for Button? Really wierd.

[Jparkr]

regardless of the coverage, that was a pretty good race, bummed Alonso couldn't keep the tires together but that was a team decision. good job and I'm loving 7 different winners in 7 races

[NeedaBimmer]

Me too.

[Hick]

Fox coverage is making me angry...

[Jparkr]

20 minutes

[GillesBigCowboy]

Anyone but vettel please! Why do i allways find myself rooting against the fastest driver, unless he is in a slow car?