Thursday, October 14, 2010

Formula One Racing - Interesting Facts

By George Morrison

Formula One racing is an interesting sport and that is clear just by just watching it. However, there are some very interesting facts about the sport that many people do not know. These are things that are not general knowledge, but knowing them is a great way to learn more about such a great sport.

Here is a look at seven facts about the cars, racers and the sport in general. These facts are something most people do not know, so you can use them as a way to strike up a great conversation with a fellow sports fan about your favourite sport.

1) Water plays a very important role in ensuring the safety of drivers. Since drivers are exposed to high G force and extreme temperatures in Formula One cars they can lose about 2 to 3 litres of water during a race. This has resulted in drivers having to drink large amounts of water before and during the race.

2) Formula One cars are actually equipped with a special drinking bottle so that drivers can easily drink during a race. Without adequate hydration a driver can easily become dehydrated while driving.

3) Formula One cars are made of various components. There are so many different parts that without 100% correct assembly there would be too much wrong with the car to safely race. There are 80,000 components of which include more than a kilometre of cable and 100 sensors.

4) The engine of Formula One cars gets worked hard. They can go from 0 to 160 to 0 kph in only four seconds. These engines are not built to last either with an average life span of only 2 hours of racing time.

5) Coming down from the high racing speeds by hitting the brakes create a deceleration that is comparable to hitting a brick wall at 300 kph. These brakes get a workout with an operating temperature around 1000 degrees C. if they were made of steel they would never last so they are made of carbon fibre instead.

6) Formula One cars are not built for a comfy ride. The cockpit is so small that in order for the drive to get in or out the steering wheel has to be removed. Also the gear shift is located on the back of the steering wheel as is the clutch.

7) These cars are made to be very aerodynamic to enable them to race at high speeds without losing control. The aerodynamic down force of Formula One cars is so extreme that one of these cars can drive on the ceiling of a tunnel with ease. When these cars race on the street, manhole covers must be welded down or they will fly up as the cars go over them.

8) The tyres of Formula One cars are pretty unique in that they don't contain air but nitrogen. They complete a rotation about 50 times in one second during a race. These tyres also last only 120 km max when normal tires last for up to 100,000 km.

These facts are all very interesting and sometimes mind blowing, the design and function of these racing cars and what the racers experience while driving is fascinating. Why not share these facts with your friends and fellow racing fans.

About the Author:

No comments:

Post a Comment