Contents racing to road car p4 For too long racing car technology has been too far removed from road cars. Now plans are in place to change all that

F1’S engine Future p10 The engine regulations in F1 are set for a dramatic overhaul for 2014. We outline the changes and analyse the likely impact the windS oF change p16 F1 aerodynamics may be entering its most innovative era ever. We look at the latest aero concepts and where they are leading us big brother’S watching p20 Silverstone, the home of the British Grand Prix, has recently updated its nerve centre. We visit the circuit for an eye-popping guided tour

Welcome

Scratch the surface of Formula 1 and beneath all that glitz and glamour is a hard-nosed engineering industry. And, we’re not talking about the lumbering engineering of ships and bridges here, this is a world with some very special qualities.

The lifeblood of any F1 team is research and development and, unless you are moving forwards, you are going the other way on a fastrack to back of the grid. But there is something unique about the way F1 goes about this process. It happens very fast and very intensively because the results are measured ruthlessly 20 times a season. If you lag behind, it becomes very clear, very quickly.

This environment of intense competition is what gives the F1 engineering world its particular character. The people who populate it are some of the brightest minds you can hope to meet. They have no concept of the impossible and ooze clever, innovative solutions.

This is what makes a journey through the world of F1 technology so compelling. Here, we have tried to give you a glimpse into the minds of these people and how they overcome the challenges they are presented with.

In 2014 the F1 engine rulebook is being rewitten, but what are the new challenges engine designers will be up against? We talk you through the complexities of the new rules and how they are likely to be exploited. Why are we on the verge of a brand new era in F1 aerodynamics? Talking to an industry expert, we find out. How do you mange the simple act of slowing down an F1 car while still recovering energy for KERS and giving the driver the tyre life he needs? Bruno Senna’s Williams race engineer gives us an insight. It’s complex and can be challenging but the journey will never be boring.

charles armstrong-wilson eDitor

Stopping power p24 Braking is about more than pulling the car up in time. It impacts on energy recovery and tyre life. This is how they tackle the challenge electronic mind gameS p31 Modern Formula 1 cars are controlled by sophisticated bespoke electronic systems, supplied by McLaren Electronics.

BROUGHT TO YOU BY...

Editor Charles Armstrong-Wilson Written by Charles Armstrong-Wilson, Ian Wagstaff, Paul Weighell Managing editor Peter Hodges Art editor Aubrey Smith Designer Michael Cavalli, Andy Simmons, Mikey Carr Sub-editor Carrie Stammers Picture editor Peter Mills Principal photographers Jakob Ebrey, Dunbar/LAT

autosport.com 3