Wednesday, May 24, 2006
Tracks in traction
I think one of the most surprising discoveries of the season is fundamental differences between the way that the cars have been designed to drive as revealed by the switch of Rubens to Honda.
It really does surprise me that there is such a huge difference between the two teams even over something as primal as acceleration. Jock Clear of the opinion that Ferrari have designed their entire car around the concept of traction control which has meant that their throttle pedal is more of an on/off switch. Whereas the Honda throttle pedal is a very delicate thing which has a wide variety of variation requiring more driver skill. But then he would say that he works for Honda.
The thing about this information is it seems constructed to make you think that one of these is bad and the other is good. And it seems constructed to make you think that the version that hasn't ever won a grand prix is good and the one that has is bad.
The thing is that the throttle acting like a switch sounds to me much closer to the karting setup that Michael has always favoured as is the twitchy handling he also loves. Michael was also the man who made breaking in F1 more like karting breaking and so on.
So perhaps a bit of karting know how at Honda, in the shape of Rubens will be able to turn things around? Rather than presenting it as a problem with Rubens it might be better to present it as an opportunity for Honda?
It really does surprise me that there is such a huge difference between the two teams even over something as primal as acceleration. Jock Clear of the opinion that Ferrari have designed their entire car around the concept of traction control which has meant that their throttle pedal is more of an on/off switch. Whereas the Honda throttle pedal is a very delicate thing which has a wide variety of variation requiring more driver skill. But then he would say that he works for Honda.
The thing about this information is it seems constructed to make you think that one of these is bad and the other is good. And it seems constructed to make you think that the version that hasn't ever won a grand prix is good and the one that has is bad.
The thing is that the throttle acting like a switch sounds to me much closer to the karting setup that Michael has always favoured as is the twitchy handling he also loves. Michael was also the man who made breaking in F1 more like karting breaking and so on.
So perhaps a bit of karting know how at Honda, in the shape of Rubens will be able to turn things around? Rather than presenting it as a problem with Rubens it might be better to present it as an opportunity for Honda?
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I think we've seen this thing before, but never has it been so explicitly revealed to us as with Rubens: Fisichella in last's year Renault? Jacques in last year's Sauber? And I think I read recently that Ralf struggled last year, but made Toyota change the chassis to suit him, thus disadvantaging Trulli towards the end of the season.
I guess the real problem is, why can't these drivers adapt, or drive round such difficulties?Is this generation too pampered?
I guess the real problem is, why can't these drivers adapt, or drive round such difficulties?Is this generation too pampered?
Or is it a similar thing to politics at the moment? We might be seeing more of the beast itself. Perhaps it was easier before it blame and praise the driver whereas the brand wants the team to win and seems to care less about the driver. So perhaps they are happier now to tell us that it's the driver who can't adapt?
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