Motorsports Thread

[figbat]

The porpoising is one issue but they are also down on straight line speed, which seems to be a PU problem - all the Merc-engined cars are struggling with this. Ferrari are also porpoising but they are going fast.

In terms of strategy, Merc have also played some blinders in the past. We see their bad decisions because we are watching them at the front. And being up-front is sometimes a disadvantage where you have to choose between leading the race or pitting. If Merc pit from the lead you can bet someone would stay out so they can look like they made a bad call, but in fact all they did is make the decision for everyone else.

No doubt there are good and bad strategy decisions being made throughout the midfield and back-markers but we don’t see them or the consequences don’t impact the podium.

 

[Illaveago]

As someone who helped develop full-chassis modelling for racing cars in the mid / late 90s and someone who has done a lot of lab-based testing as well, I'm more aware than most of the gulf that can exist between theory and practice.

Computer modelling (both for structural applications and aero) is brilliant, but it does have its limitations, usually based around the number of iterations the software is capable of, as well as the compromises that have to be made in inputting and choosing the variables. Plus the fact that a computer simulation is very much idealised, which is not the case in the real world.

It's a useful tool, but it's NOT a silver bullet. Unfortunately, with the cap on in-season testing, it has rather become that in recent years. With the inevitable consequences. And that's very much highlighted this season, with such a massive change in the rules.

I was wondering if their data was wrong .

 

[Illaveago]

Is the issue that in fact it works too well & it's the knife edge that is causing the issue. If they can learn to bleed some of it off then they maybe onto a winner

It does look ugly though !

 

[icowden]

The porpoising is one issue but they are also down on straight line speed, which seems to be a PU problem - all the Merc-engined cars are struggling with this. Ferrari are also porpoising but they are going fast.

I did see a suggestion that Merc may have focused resources too much on ensuring they were winning in the last two seasons whereas Ferrari have known they have had issues for the last few years and focussed development on the 2022 car much more - hence their PU seems to be blowing the rest out of the water.

 

[Deleted member 26715]

hence their PU seems to be blowing the rest out of the water.

Or they are cheating again, I really do hope they are not.

 

[Reynard]

I was wondering if their data was wrong .

I wouldn't say the data was wrong, but sometimes theory doesn't always translate into practice, because theory is always based on idealized as opposed to real-world situations. And then, of course, there's compromize.

But I wonder if we will eventually end up with a standard profile for the venturi under the car.

 

[classic33]

Both race directors have tested positive for Covid.

 

[Jody]

There's always that other guy

 

[Deleted member 26715]

There's always that other guy

Apparently he can't, is Mr Brundle out there, he'd do a good job, missed him over the last few races, hope he's doing okay

 

[Jody]

Apparently he can't, is Mr Brundle out there, he'd do a good job, missed him over the last few races, hope he's doing okay

What's wrong with Brundle?

 

[Deleted member 26715]

What's wrong with Brundle?

I read a report he'd had a heart attack, but not read anything since, so not sure of it's authenticity, gooooes off to Google apparently it was 2016, but I think he's only been to 1 of the first 4 & not in Italy was a surprise.

 

[Jody]

I thought it was odd that he wasn't around but assumed he may have had a dose of Covid.

 

[derrick]

As long as they don’t bring back that Irish idiot. 👍

 

[Red17]

Good weekend ahead for 2 wheels race fans. Speedway GP round 1 tonight (without defending champion as Russian riders have been banned) and motogp tomorrow.

 

[Reynard]

And the E-Prix from Monaco is live on Channel 4 this lunchtime - 2pm race start.