- 22 Jun 12, 15:01#308494
I think ABS dates way back in aviation.
For me, F1 never really trailblazed anything truly useful - KERS was around before F1 started on it, and indeed i don't think semi automatic boxes are particularly much use in regular non high performance cars. Having driven a Toyota Auris (run of the mill hatchback) with a flappy paddle box i gotta say, the results aren't really great anyway, gearchanges are pretty agricultural, very clunky and slow. I mean, it might as well just have had a full auto box or a stick! Seems like a bit of a (crappy) gimmick in those types of cars. The flip side, yes, they do work in quicker cars, having experienced it firsthand. But most of us don't drive high performance cars... anyway, i'm rambling and ranting now.
That said F1 has served as an excellent research and development ground for automotive engine technology, material usage, electronic systems... the list goes on. And that is very important. Probably more important than pure innovation in this context.
Just a quick note on the FW15C, that car was truly genius - alongside all the toys, the active suspension was used for aero too, raising the rear ride height on straights to stall the diffuser! Very advanced for it's time.
For me, F1 never really trailblazed anything truly useful - KERS was around before F1 started on it, and indeed i don't think semi automatic boxes are particularly much use in regular non high performance cars. Having driven a Toyota Auris (run of the mill hatchback) with a flappy paddle box i gotta say, the results aren't really great anyway, gearchanges are pretty agricultural, very clunky and slow. I mean, it might as well just have had a full auto box or a stick! Seems like a bit of a (crappy) gimmick in those types of cars. The flip side, yes, they do work in quicker cars, having experienced it firsthand. But most of us don't drive high performance cars... anyway, i'm rambling and ranting now.
That said F1 has served as an excellent research and development ground for automotive engine technology, material usage, electronic systems... the list goes on. And that is very important. Probably more important than pure innovation in this context.
Just a quick note on the FW15C, that car was truly genius - alongside all the toys, the active suspension was used for aero too, raising the rear ride height on straights to stall the diffuser! Very advanced for it's time.
Rising number one of Formula 1, Juan - Juan, one wonders should Juan only win one Formula 1 one year, would Juan have won that one in round one, Juan??