Driving a Formula 1 Car

The modern F1 car is as much an aerodynamic device as a mechanical device. (Photo courtesy of ING) Living the Dream in a Renault F1 Car By Alistair Weaver, European Editor Tease the throttle and feel the V10 take a slurp of air as the revs rise from their idle at 6,000 rpm. The noise is angry, urgent, brutal and yet majestic. The vibration shivers the carbon-fiber tub in which I'm sitting and then scurries down my spine. Concentrate. Think. Extend a right digit as you grip the steering wheel; give the right shift paddle a flick to engage a cog. It's like learning to drive all over again. Heart pumping, I ease out the clutch, feeling for the biting point, anticipating the first sign of forward motion, wanting it so badly. The wheels start to move, the clutch is out and the engine is still alive! I let out a high-pitched yelp... [read full story]