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Yeah, but FIA also has a mandate to keep the race safe. So it tries to restrict maximum speed and power, without killing the sport. For example, air inlets have
by ovi256 16y ago
Yeah, but FIA also has a mandate to keep the race safe. So it tries to restrict maximum speed and power, without killing the sport. For example, air inlets have a maximum area limit. This clearly restricts air intake.
F1 is not the only sport with such restriction. The Tour de France has imposed minimum bike weights and the actual 2 wheel upright bike configuration, which is far from optimal. All other cycling competitions have followed. Recumbent bikes allow the racer to better use his legs and are more aerodynamic, thus faster. You can also buy bikes that are lighter than Tour de France bikes. It's just that they're really expensive, of course.
- simonsarris 16y agoRestricting power is a very good idea and I find it pretty agreeable (See: Group B). This is what they've been doing with the diesel cars in Lemans. But restricting entire technologies is something else entirely and kind of frustrates me.
- CWuestefeld 16y agoIf the need is to limit power, then why not directly limit power: make a rule stating "no more than 600bhp" or something like that? Improved technologies could still flourish. If a new approach could deliver more than the power limit, it might instead be re-tuned to provide better durability or better fuel efficiency or lighter weight. But the FIA has interfered with any of these possible paths of innovation, because it's thinking more like a government and less like a group whose very purpose is to compete.
- mberning 16y agoThere is a lot that goes into engine performance rather than just raw power. This is why the rules become so intricate and convoluted.
- spitfire 16y agoMore expensive? hardly, you can put a bike lighter than tour de france spec for less than two grand. Mind, for all but the most dedicated amateurs that level of equipment won't make a difference. Personally, I'd like to see a new road class in le mans, perhaps < 700kg and 2L naturally aspirated, IE: Road cars. (Stuff that we could actually buy)