Post here all non technical related topics about Formula One. This includes race results, discussions, testing analysis etc. TV coverage and other personal questions should be in Off topic chat.
Yes, of course I know that it's much more than changing the buttons from right to left. I just scanned the article, but the way I understood it at first was that they always setup the steering system with a right handed driver in mind,thus the feedback was more easily felt on the right hand, I have no idea how, but maybe with the way the steering rack or power steering is setup, much like a force feedback system. That's why I found the article somewhat credible.
Is the glass half empty or half full?
Engineer - "The glass is twice as big as it needs to be."
Lotus technical director James Allison thinks that when the team solves the steering problem, it will lead to a direct improvement in lap time for Raikkonen.
"Our latest set-up now gives Kimi sufficient assistance in the high speed, high load corners, but we still have yet to give him a power steering unit which offers the finesse he wants," he said.
"We're making progress in this area, but the way Kimi drives the car is to find the limit on the front axle and then adjust the car very delicately around that limit; he can only do that if the steering is giving him exquisite feedback.
"We are working hard to provide him with perfect equipment so that he can deliver those last few tenths in qualifying."
Rather than gripping the wheel firmly, Kimi is very light, being more of a fingertip driver. This is his style, and he requires a power steering system ultra-light but powerful and sensitive.
Once Lotus builds him a system that suits him, he will be better able to exploit this aspect of his natural talent.
Racing should be decided on the track, not the court room.
And you're absolutely right. Kimi's driving style is as cool as the other side of the pillow. He rarely makes any superfluous movements, and the setup of his car needs to reflect that.
