How quickly could Michael Schumacher tackle the chicanes around Cabot Square, Canary Wharf?

Question

I work in an office overlooking Cabot Square, Canary Wharf, London (see streetmap reference below). My colleagues and I were wondering how fast a world-class Formula 1 driver (in a Formula 1 car) could tackle the chicane if approaching from the west end of West India Avenue, and following the one-way system around the north side of Cabot Square leading onto North Colonnade. Clearly, this would be under hypothetical ideal circumstances of clear roads, no pedestrians, good weather, warm tyres, etc. I'm looking for an estimated top speed through the chicane itself.

http://www.streetmap.co.uk/newmap.srf?x=537270&y=180385&z=1&sv=537270,180385&st=4&lu=P&mapp=newmap.srf&searchp=newsearch.srf&ax=537270&ay=180385

If that was too easy, it would also be interesting to know how fast a Formula 1 car could tackle a single circuit of Cabot Square, from a standing start anywhere on the square. How fast for a complete circuit of the Wharf?

Anyone got any ideas to help settle an office dispute?

Answer 1

Obviously your colleagues and you are very busy not to mention interesting too.

Answer 2

This is quite a difficult question, because a lot depends on how the car was set-up and on what sort of rubber.

However, assuming dry conditions and warmed-up qualifying-slicks, I reckon he could fling it in and out at something like 70mph give or take a bit, but then, as I don't actually know if there are barriers or kerbs, that could be an overestimate on safety grounds.

Actually, the real measure of the man would be the lateness of the braking and his ability to get on the throttle out of the last turn, and as anyone who has watched Formula One at close hand will know, the braking force is absolutely phenomenal, and the acceleration positively explosive. (Faster than a fighter jet off the mark!)

One thing I can tell you about Schumacher (and the other very few greatest drivers such as Fangio, Moss,Senna, Jackie Stewart and Jim Clark), is that his time and speed through the identical chicane, point to point, would be within a few thousands of a second each and every time. Consistency is what wins races, and an ability to stay out of trouble.

Answer 3

I love it when there's nothing to do at work and you're working with interesting people who think up all kinds of things.

MS would definitely be faster than anyone else but a London GP has officially been ruled out as way too expensive and impractical

Answer 4

And also, as a continuation of my answer from the other posting of this question, I think the only time you'll bring back MS in a Ferrari is if you make him drive that track in his Enzo.

And the only road Ferrari that I really like is the F430. The Enzo is too... exaggerated.

Answer 5

If Red Ken (Livingston) hears about this, he'll think you are planning a Grand Prix of Canary Wharf, one he'll surely say London can't afford. :-)

Answer 6

Faster than anyone else.

Answer 7

faster thn ne1 else