2007-02-12 20:06:56 · 6 answers · asked by rockpool248 4 in Sports ➔ Auto Racing ➔ Formula One
The guys before me said it best. There is also another variable. The new controlled Bridgestone tyres that are now being used may give the car new handling characteristics. They now know that becasue they are using a harder compound that they need to adjust the overall handling characteristics of the car. I don't really think Michael Schumacher leaving was a big impact on the development with the car. They started on the design of this car back during the early late part of 2005. There was also some idea that Bridgestone would be the sole supplier of F1 too.
Also, when comparing the advantages and disadvantages, you have to factor in the overall package of Ferrari. This might be part of the overall suspension overhaul to help with the slightly harder compound than last year.
2007-02-13 15:24:20 · answer #1 · answered by Chris H 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The general thought on lengethening wheel base is that it is done to stabilize handling characteristics.
The weight distribution (front:rear) on an F-1 car is about 35:65. This imbalance makes the rear of car act like a pendullum. If the distance between the front and rear wheels is short, the pendullum will move quickly... perhaps uncontrollably. Increasing this distance will decrease this pendullum effect but there's a trade-off. Just as the rear of a long wheelbase car is less likely to snap out of control, it is also slower to react to driver corrections. Schumacher was known for his speedy reflexes so it makes sense that he would prefer a short wheelbased car.
However, I suspect Ferrari's decision to lengthen their 2007's wheelbase may have more to do with aerodynamics... or perhaps it's been done to accomodate a redesigned gearbox. All of these explanations could be the case... who really knows but Ferrari?
2007-02-13 20:19:17 · answer #2 · answered by teddiebuddah 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Longer wheelbase gives better stability while a shorter wheelbase allows quicker response and turn-in. Ferrari is transitioning out of the Michael Schumacher era and he loved a twichy car. It is not a surprising change now that Schumi is gone.
2007-02-13 13:31:10 · answer #3 · answered by Indy1977TX 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
all the above answers are correct in their own right... but does it really depend on driver preferences? does it mean that raikonnen cannot handle a shorter wheel base car like shumi did ? or did he tell ferrari that he wanted a car with a longer wheelbase?? does driver preferences and driving style influence car development that much to put in millions ?? like sumone said above me, only ferrari wud know !!
2007-02-15 03:53:48 · answer #4 · answered by nsr2811 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Think of the wheel base like skis - longer skis are better for straight-line speed and stability and shorter skis are more maneuverable - quicker responding to turns etc. It's like a down-hiller vs a free-styler or compare figure skates to speed skates -the speed skates have much longer blades and the figure skate blades are much shorter.
2007-02-13 14:44:39 · answer #5 · answered by velcroboy15 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't forget a longer car is harder to overtake ;) in this sport of fractions...
2007-02-14 07:30:12 · answer #6 · answered by gareth_bancroft 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋