F1 2005 coming soon - tech tidbits

[Reg]

In just over 2 weeks the season shall begin.

With 19 races and new regulations to boot this year should hopefully be very intersting. I am facinated with all the goings on in this sport off the track as well as on. Here are some interesting facts quoted from Reuters:

The top speed of a Formula One car is around 375 kph and Monza is the only circuit where such a mark is likely to be reached.


During the Monaco Grand Prix, cars will change gear around 3,100 times.

Carbon brake discs and pads generate surface temperatures in excess of 1000 degrees celsius.


A Formula One driver loses on average two kgs in weight during a grand prix. He can lose up to 1.5 litres of fluid during a hot race.


Formula One cars can accelerate from standstill to 200kph and back again in less than seven seconds.


Full braking from 200kph to standstill takes 55 metres or 1.9 seconds, producing deceleration forces of up to 5g -- five times a driver's bodyweight.

The complete article is here:

http://www.reuters.co.uk/newsArticle.jhtml;jsessionid=IDPSJ1MNWOCDCCRBAE0CF EY?type=motorSportsNews&storyID=7640775

Those are some incredible numbers!

Anyone else excited about this upcoming season??

[Adam]

I can't wait for the '05 season. I'll be there, at Albert Park for the opening race. A guest of a corporate client of ours, which is always nice... marquee, food, drinks, girls.... oh, and the cars, too.

I do think that 375km/h is a bit optimistic for F1s, though. The fastest top speed for 2004 was only something like 311km/h.

[cegerer]

Every year, about this time, I say that THIS will be the year when somebody .... anybody ..... will rise and challenge Schumacher and Ferrari. But then it just never happens. I'm a Schumacher fan, but it would sure make things interesting if there was some real competition. Maybe BAR?

[Adam]

I'm keen to see how Webber performs in a more reliable car, although BAR were kicking butts late last season (until their engines blew).

[Reg]

The one tire rule will be intersting and perhaps reward the smoother drivers such as Montoya.

[obrut]

Adam: Ditto, I can't wait to see how Webber goes in a more competitive car.

I don't rate Montoya though - I think he's a little too hot headed for F1, somehow not clinical or analytical enough...

ps: Like Schumi, Rossi's pre-season testing times are sensational as well

[lowyder993s]

Kimi's my man...just hope Monty doesn't punt him. God only knows he's got enough to deal w/ w/ that swingin ***** engine builder.

[911pcars]

Renault looks good in the preseason, but you know how that goes. Ferrari might be sandbagging to lull the competition.

Sherwood

[Jeff Higgins]

Fantastic cars; I just wish there were some way to get them back to racing. The parade has grown old. The only consistant overtaking is in the pits.

[911pcars]

Inverted starts - perhaps based on the last race result. (it'll never happen)

Sherwood

[Bill Verburg]

German and British touring cars are a lot more entertaining. F1 has become the biggest bore due to the lack of any real competition for first place.

[mattlarner18]

its always the same in f1, i bet michael schumacer will win it. ps i dont no how u spell his name

[Reg]

For me you simply cannot match the excitment of the 5 minutes before a GP, the standing start, and the first few laps. I have'nt found it watching any other form of motorsport. Someday I'll get to one in person and really be blown away.