Bumpy track at COTA: how serious is the problem?
Posted: 26 Oct 2021, 23:11
My view is that the bumps at COTA, particularly those in the esses complex into T6, and T10, are a serious problem that needs to be addressed before racing there again. I think it's a major safety issue (to say nothing of DNFs), one that will only get worse as time passes, and will be exacerbated by the dimensions of the 2022 cars. I'm in a debate with others who disagree. So, I thought I'd come here for a more reasoned discussion of the technical elements, and ask: how serious is the problem? Am I exaggerating the issue? Am I missing something in my reasoning?
My argument, in bullet points:
Given this, I think COTA's bumps are a big - and worsening - problem, and they need to be fixed before F1 races there in 2022. But am I exaggerating the problem? Am I wrong on my points? Am I missing something? ("Unless I'm very much mistaken, I am very much mistaken.")
I appreciate your insights on this - thanks!
Some context here: this is my first post, but I've been lurking for some time. I've been a Formula One fan since the late '90s (and a rabid fan since around '05) have been to several races (including having had the opportunity to pore over disassembled cars in the paddock garages, pre-hybrid), I used to build/fix club rally cars for a driver in SCCA club rallies, I understand vehicle dynamics and car control (or, I hope I do), and have a novice's understanding of the technical elements of setup and platform control (at least, I strive to). So I'm new to the forum, but not at all new to the sport.
My argument, in bullet points:
- COTA's bumps are problematic because they're big (amplitude), happen in rapid succession at speed (frequency), and happen at points in the track where you're calling on the tires to make turns (rather than just on a long straight.
- F1 cars can handle bumps, and can be reinforced for bumpy tracks, but the nature of the bumps makes them exceptionally dangerous for formula cars.
- Bottoming-out repeatedly in formula cars as they go through high-speed turns is a safety issue. We can't have cars sliding-around on permaglass and carbon fibre when they're doing 245kph/150mph through a corner.
- Aero doesn't save you when the tires aren't in contact with the track surface.
- Platform control/setup gives you a lot of things to change, but there are upper limits that are dictated by the cars' architecture and performance standards.
- You can change ride height and preload, but you really only have 50/80mm F/R of bump travel.
- Running higher spring rates and rebound introduces new problems, mostly with respect to performance overall, but also reliability.
- Dialing-out downforce has a material impact on performance around the whole circuit.
- DNFs and car reliability are a secondary issue, but an issue nonetheless (we had 3 DNFs in the 2021 USGP due to the bumps. Gasly's DNF counts).
- The bumps get bumpier with continued subsidence at the track over time, so next year will be worse.
- The whole problem is amplified by the 2022 cars: longer wheelbase, and smaller tire sidewalls (so fewer levers to pull with respect to setup).
Given this, I think COTA's bumps are a big - and worsening - problem, and they need to be fixed before F1 races there in 2022. But am I exaggerating the problem? Am I wrong on my points? Am I missing something? ("Unless I'm very much mistaken, I am very much mistaken.")
I appreciate your insights on this - thanks!
Some context here: this is my first post, but I've been lurking for some time. I've been a Formula One fan since the late '90s (and a rabid fan since around '05) have been to several races (including having had the opportunity to pore over disassembled cars in the paddock garages, pre-hybrid), I used to build/fix club rally cars for a driver in SCCA club rallies, I understand vehicle dynamics and car control (or, I hope I do), and have a novice's understanding of the technical elements of setup and platform control (at least, I strive to). So I'm new to the forum, but not at all new to the sport.