Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Facts for Formula 1 Lovers

Speeding on paved roads through some of the most exciting and beautiful cities in the world are Formula One race cars competing for victory. The races typically take place on winding city streets and are referred to as F1 circuits such as Circuit de Monaco in Monte Carlo. The races are both attended and seen on TV by people from all over the world. Formula One racing, considered by many people to be the most dangerous and difficult type of racing, requires top-notch athletic drivers, aerodynamic vehicles, an expert team to assist the driver, and lots of money.

The Vehicles
Formula One vehicles, created specifically for top speed, are single-seat, open cars with front and rear wings. The driver can actually manipulate the front wings during a race. The aerodynamics of the cars help drivers to reach speeds as great as 229.8 mph. This particular speed was registered by BMW Williams F1 team member Antonio Pizzonia during the Italian Grand Prix 2004. Two well-known manufacturers of F1 cars who build the entire vehicle are Ferrari and Renault. Independent manufacturers such as McLaren and Williams need to purchase their engines from another company. Popular suppliers of engines include both Mercedes and BMW. The manufacturers can win the coveted Constructors' Championship by basically having their cars win or finish in top positions in most races. The cars which race during the particular season are assigned points that reflect their finishing position. The points are totaled at the end of the season and the manufacturer with the most points wins.

The Drivers
Not just anyone can be a Formula One driver. The drivers of these mighty cars must be extremely fit both mentally and physically. Cornering forces of up to a sustained 3.5 g require the driver to be extremely strong in order to last the entire race. The speed at which the vehicles travel and the fact that the tracks are not always the same shape require the driver's complete concentration at all times. Both stamina and endurance are necessary for the drivers to compete in as many races as possible and in order for them to withstand the extreme heat which consumes the cockpits. According to Formula1.com, drivers can sweat as much as 3 kg (or approximately 6.6 lbs.) of their weight off during a race.

Formula One Grand Prixs exist all over the globe. They have been in existence for many years. The Grand Prix de Monaco was first held in April of 1929. The most recent race in Monaco occurred on May 26, 28 and 29 in 2011. The circuit consists of 77 laps, and the spectators always relish the opportunity to get closer to the cars racing than in most other Grand Prixs. Singapore held its first F1 Grand Prix in September 2008, and it was the first Grand Prix to ever take place at night. In 2011 the Formula 1 Singtel Singapore Grand Prix will be held on September 23, 24 and 25th. It's the Marina Bay Street Circuit and it consists of 61 laps. The more Grand Prixs a driver competes in the better his chances for success as well as the success of his team. The Grand Prixs eventually lead to competing for the World Championship prize.

By Cecelia Owens

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