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Former chief technical officer at Williams Pat Symonds has stated that in order to have races that feature more overtaking, Formula 1 bosses have commissioned the worlds first overtaking simulation to influence circuit design for the good of the sport.
Symonds revealed that the new technology is already being put to use and will impact the layout of the Hanoi Circuit in readiness for its inaugural race in 2020. Symonds also said that the simulation is also being used to look for improvements at Yas Marina where the racing has not been as exciting as Formula 1 bosses would like.
"We've produced what I think is the world's first overtaking simulation. It's been extremely complex to do. To run a lap takes several hours. It has a proper wake model of the cars, it looks at the surface and the tyre characteristics and all these sort of things."
Symonds added that Vietnam is the first circuit that his Vehicle Performance Group have been involved with and that they have really got to grips with the track and understood what it needs to make it exciting and to have good racing.
"I think Vietnam is going to be a superb circuit. It's got some great features and it's going to have some close racing at it".
Symonds revealed the new technology to a written question from former F1 driver and Formula E champion Lucas di Grassi. Grassi argued that tracks should be designed to promote alternative ways around a corner instead of the traditional racing line.
Symonds agreed with di Grassi but also argued that the answer is not to give the cars mechanical grip, which is a recurring suggestion. He pointed out that during wet races the mechanical grip is significantly reduced yet the racing is normally much improved.
"The evidence is actually that in a wet race, where you've got less grip, you get much better racing. So we're putting the science into it now".
Grand Prix of Belgium
C. Sainz jr
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calle.itw
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What worries me is that they seem to rely more and more on sims. During sims and games I can overtake on the most ridiculous places, (I present to you the 5 driver overtake in a 2017 McHonda thtough the corner before the tunnel at Monte Carlo! Yeah whats your excuse, Vettel?!). Sims and algorith... [Read more]