Saudi Arabia has formally announced its new Qiddiya racing circuit, which features a 20-storey-high opening corner and is due to host the country’s Formula 1 grand prix. (MotorSport)
Since the country joined the F1 calendar for 2021, it has used the high-speed Jeddah street circuit on the coast of the Corniche.
However, there have long been plans to move to a purpose-built venue in Qiddiya, the new city project devised under the Saudi Vision 2030 scheme.
Saudi has now shown off digital images of the new 200mph anti-clockwise track, designed by ex-F1 driver Alex Wurz and well-known circuit designer Hermann Tilke.
The FIA grade one-level circuit – which qualifies it to host F1 – is most notable for its elevation changes. There is a gain of 108 metres over the 21-corner lap.
The centrepiece of that is the so-called ‘Blade’ – an LED-lit opening turn that rises for 70 metres, equivalent to more than 20 stories.
The intention is for the Qiddiya Speed Park Track to combine the virtues of permanent circuits and street venues, so it includes multiple configurations and both high-speed and slow sections over the lap.
"When a man holds you round the throat, I don't think he has come to apologise"
Ayrton Senna on Nigel Mansell, SPA 1987.
(This post was last modified: 05-03-2024, 12:43 PM by PapaofGags.)
Formula 1 is considering ways to use Red Bull’s new 220mph drone, but safety issues make it impossible to get best use out of it over a grand prix weekend. (MotorSport)
Ian put a video of this somewhere?
"When a man holds you round the throat, I don't think he has come to apologise"
Ayrton Senna on Nigel Mansell, SPA 1987.
(This post was last modified: 06-03-2024, 01:26 PM by PapaofGags.)
(06-03-2024, 01:25 PM)PapaofGags Wrote: Formula 1 is considering ways to use Red Bull’s new 220mph drone, but safety issues make it impossible to get best use out of it over a grand prix weekend. (MotorSport)
Ian put a video of this somewhere?
Wonder if Horner tried to use that on a certain Red Bull employee?
(06-03-2024, 01:25 PM)PapaofGags Wrote: Formula 1 is considering ways to use Red Bull’s new 220mph drone, but safety issues make it impossible to get best use out of it over a grand prix weekend. (MotorSport)
Ian put a video of this somewhere?
Wonder if Horner tried to use that on a certain Red Bull employee?
It isn't streamlined enough for Adrian Newey Neil. I assume that's who you meant?
Formula 1’s active aero plans for 2026 are set for a revamp following some alarming findings in simulator running of an early car model, Motorsport.com has learned. (MotorSport)
The idea is that the car’s wings will be able to run in a high-downforce configuration in corners to help deliver grip, before shifting to a low drag configuration on the straights to help boost straight line speed.
One path being explored was for only the rear wing to be moveable, as it could then work easily in conjunction with DRS and would be the least complicated solution.
However, with some teams having recently been evaluating what is known as the baseline ‘Fangio’ car model in simulators to try to understand how this would work, some concerning characteristics emerged.
According to sources, when the rear wing was in its most low-drag configuration and the engine was at full power, the car was almost undriveable – with multiple examples of drivers spinning on straights under acceleration or being unable to take the smallest of curves without the rear stepping out.
This was triggered by a shift in aero balance that was estimated to be three times as much as is currently experienced when DRS is open.
One insider even suggested that the only way to prevent the cars spinning was to drive so conservatively that the lap times ended up being slower than current Formula 2 machinery.
"When a man holds you round the throat, I don't think he has come to apologise"
Ayrton Senna on Nigel Mansell, SPA 1987.
(This post was last modified: 09-04-2024, 11:22 AM by PapaofGags.)
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