Remove Power Steering from the Cars??

[Callum]

I was watching some old in-board video's of some Group C sportscars and they really got a lot of feedback through the wheel, they were obviously having to manhandle these cars round corners.

It got me thinking, what if power steering were to be banned?

It would be very cheap.. Obviously strong drivers would have an advantage - 18 year olds would probably suffer (If you think they shouldnt be racing so young)

The main reason I think this could be a good idea would be that it would really make it difficult for the drivers, especially to last the whole race.

I understand it would be difficult for the drivers as these cars have high aerodynamic loads but... difficult is good?


It would also make engineers think about suspension geometry and making the car easier to drive.

Thoughts.. comments??

[Giblet]

Don't like it.

Alonso had a triumphant finish when his drink system broke, collapsing at the end of the race, and would not have been able to finish, and might have even crashed if he tried to finish, without power steering.

The amount of oversteer these cars have, and the fine lines and tiny inputs they need to achieve, while decelerating or accelerating with g's we rarely if ever get to experience, would be dangerous IMO.

Taller stronger drivers would have an immediate advantage. I want to see a showcase of driver skill, not physical strength.

[Callum]

@Giblet:

I think that a talented driver will be able to put in these tiny imputs AND be able to cope with the physical aspect of it.

For me the driver must have the whole package.

I do agree that the taller drivers would have an advantage but I also believe that it would breed a new type of driver that is much stronger in the upper body.

If it is too dangerous, the driver will just drive more slowly...

[horse]

It might ruin any future prospects for female drivers.

[DaveKillens]

It's an interesting concept, but maybe a step back.

Power steering was introduced to relieve the workload of the driver. So far so good. I had a buddy who worked in a ski resort, and he once told me something very relevant. he told me that almost all the bad crashes occur at the end of the day. Not because of poor lighting or snow conditions, but because of fatigue. The people gliding down the slopes have been doing it all day, and of course, they fatigue. And at the end of the day, you have less concentration,less strength, less energy, and maybe a more causal attitude because you've been doing it all day, and you're on your last run.

The very same scenario can play out in Formula One. As the race progresses, the drivers are being drained of their energy and strength. That's why they all spend countless hours in the gym, and have the conditioning of Olympic athletes. Because as the race progresses and the drivers become more and more fatigued, they are more prone to mistakes. In soccer of hockey, you make a mistake someone scores on you. But in racing,if you make a mistake, someone may die.

And that's why I consider power steering much more of a safety device than a performance enhancer.

[horse]

And at the end of the day, you have less concentration,less strength, less energy, and maybe a more causal attitude because you've been doing it all day, and you're on your last run.

I agree, it's very good advice that. Just forget that last run and have a beer instead.

[Giblet]

I see what you mean Callum, but I don't see why feats of strength are something that should really matter for an F1 driver, the fans, or the show in general.

Also, have you seen how small and F1 wheel is? It's not like it's a big round thing that takes some of the energy away from the steering by gearing.

Yes it would be more impressive if their was no power steering, but it would be equally impressive giving them 30 pound helmets, or just lead lined gloves.

In short, why arm and shoulder strength?

[manchild]

I'm all for it. Add to that foot operated mechanical clutch and manual mechanical gearbox.

I keep repeating that as the cure for the sport, for years and years, but no one listens. As long as the cars are electronically controlled like PlayStation console, there'd be no overtaking and true showing of driver's skills.

[flattyre]

Agreed, manchild. I'm of the same opinion. Of course there are other ways that I would like to see the sport improved, but what you mentioned would certainly be a good start. And let's not forget - Champcars had no power steering, and the drivers coped just fine (as far as I know ).

[flynfrog]

I'm all for it. Add to that foot operated mechanical clutch and manual mechanical gearbox.

I keep repeating that as the cure for the sport, for years and years, but no one listens. As long as the cars are electronically controlled like PlayStation console, there'd be no overtaking and true showing of driver's skills.

why not go back to horses and buggies.

[theblackangus]

I'm all for it. Add to that foot operated mechanical clutch and manual mechanical gearbox.

I keep repeating that as the cure for the sport, for years and years, but no one listens. As long as the cars are electronically controlled like PlayStation console, there'd be no overtaking and true showing of driver's skills.

My thoughts are in between, I think power steering is good because of the safety aspects, but I would love to see the return of the clutch and manual non paddle-shifted gear box. Dont get me wrong I love F1 technology but giving the driver more to do will really sort the crowd I think. More chances for small errors that will allow potential passing.

Drivers are already fit enough, they have more endurance than 99% of the population of the planet. We all know that they can drive a car for hours on end with near perfect lap times. We could give them lead gloves next year and you can bet ever driver will show up next year looking like popeye, and have no issues turning out the same laps. We need something to give the drivers more to do and more control over the car, hence more chances at error. Adding a clutch means 1 more chance of error every shift that needs to be made, and that is huge in itself.

I do feel a bit strange about saying do away with the flappy paddle gearbox, but to improve the show of the sport this 1 bit of technology could be sacrificed. I don't believe this effects the sports safety factor.

why not go back to horses and buggies.

Im thinking people already race those...
http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index. ... ls_do.html

So why duplicate the effort?

[countersteer]

Indy Cars don't have power steering. Champ cars didn't have power steering. Satoh made note of how heavy the steering was on the Indy car after his first test at Barber Motorsports Park.

I guess this garners a little more respect for Danica, Katherine Legge, Simona de Silvestro not to mention the little guys like Christiano da Matta. Heavier car too...

[manchild]

why not go back to horses and buggies.

For the same reason they keep wheels and cockpit uncovered, and ABS and TC banned. You can't test driver's skill on a car that has steering wheel with 28 knobs and switches, computer controlled gearbox change/clutch/throttle sequence, differential slip, aided steering etc.

I'm all for technology - the one used on engine, brakes and for safety. That is the one that isn't meant to do things best driver in the world were supposed to, and that is basic driving that concerns steering, accelerating, breaking, and gear shifting.

[xpensive]

I agree, everything that could add to the driver making a difference is good, the argument of stronger drivers having an advantage just rings like socialistic crock in my ears. What's Formula One anyway, paralympics perhaps?

[autogyro]

I agree, everything that could add to the driver making a difference is good, the argument of stronger drivers having an advantage just rings like socialistic crock in my ears. What's Formula One anyway, paralympics perhaps?

F1 Drivers?
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