Formula 1′s Leading Team Has a Big Secret

I was at the Formula 1 in Melbourne this year, back in March, and definitely noticed the unusual engine notes of the RBR cars as they accelerated out if corners.

But it was definitely both cars making the sound, so both Webber and Vettel had the system, if it did in fact exist.

Re: Formula 1′s Leading Team Has a Big Secret

#5

Post by anoother » Fri, Oct 11, 2013, 11:34 AM UTC

I find the justification presented for only Vettel having the technology a little strange.

It's common to test new systems on one car before rolling them out across the team. If the technology works and is reliable, Webber will have it before the end of the season.

Re: Formula 1′s Leading Team Has a Big Secret

#6

Post by brey » Fri, Oct 11, 2013, 11:35 AM UTC

OhhHeyTyler wrote: post #3

Would it be fair to fine the team if they were in fact using the "assisted KERS suspension"? Technically it is not traction control.

Technically correct - the best kind of correct.

Re: Formula 1′s Leading Team Has a Big Secret

#7

Post by brey » Fri, Oct 11, 2013, 11:36 AM UTC

In an environment where innovation has been strictly regulated against (better engine management software? NOPE. better foil design? NOPE), the fine art of sticking to the letter of the law but totally bending the spirit of it is naturally where the bleeding edge of F1 design is going to lie.

Re: Formula 1′s Leading Team Has a Big Secret

#8

Post by ChildOfChaos » Fri, Oct 11, 2013, 11:37 AM UTC

This is pure speculation, I am sure Red Bull are doing some things with there car but it's not as big of a deal as everyone makes out and I don't think it's one thing.

It's worth noting, that Rosberg's engineer said that the rubber caught in his front wing for that race was costing him 1.7 seconds a lap. That's where the biggest difference came, Vettel wasn't that much faster in Korea.

Re: Formula 1′s Leading Team Has a Big Secret

#9

Post by bliti » Fri, Oct 11, 2013, 11:37 AM UTC

Link to Racecar Engineering web article: http://www.racecar-engineering.com/news/red-bulls-traction-s... This is a very nice magazine to read/subscribe even if you are not a race fan. Lots of technical discussions.

Re: Formula 1′s Leading Team Has a Big Secret

#10

Post by cjrp » Fri, Oct 11, 2013, 11:38 AM UTC

If the secret is the automated use of KERS, you'd see it in the on-screen graphics (the HUD-esque display shows when a driver is deploying KERS).

Also the article makes the comparison in noise - but surely that noise is caused by the engine being limited/throttled, something which they could not get away with in this season since the ECUs are all the same. A KERS-based traction control wouldn't make the same noise because it doesn't work in the same way.