Push to pass coming to Formula One?
Regenerative braking system the key for 2008
Passing for position in recent races has been
confined to the starts and the pit stops.
Back in 1998, one team was developing a device to generate extra engine power from the heat produced during braking. Back then, the FIA vetoed the innovation. Now, however, the idea could be adopted to improve the spectacle in Formula One and enable more overtaking. FIA president Max Mosley is in favour of this, and so are the manufacturers.
Mosley suggests the introduction of regenerative braking systems, whereby heat generated under hard braking would be stored up in a battery to give the drivers an instant extra 60 horsepower for around five seconds, would improve the racing by enhancing overtaking opportunities. The drivers could use this increased power by pushing a 'boost button'. A similar system is already being used in the Champ Car World Series.
In Champ Car, the 'push to pass' or 'power to pass' system is controlled by increasing the turbo boost at the touch of a button for a maximum of 60-seconds during a race, taking and refining an idea first used by Formula Palmer Audi some years ago. The push to pass system has worked well in Champ Car for drivers both defending their position and trying to make a pass on the car in front.
Clearly overtaking is one of the issues that needs to be addressed in Formula One, after a survey carried out by the FIA revealed that more than 90 percent of race fans want to see more cars passing each other. The British Grand Prix last Sunday saw little passing save the start of the race off the line with drivers' all focusing on making 'passing' manoeuvres during the pits stops. Push to pass in Formula One along with massive changes to the aero-characteristics of the modern chassis are long overdue.
E.A.
Source WilliamsF1
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