Formula 1
precision engineering for formula 1
Formula 1engineering is managed with care at Alpha Precision to ensure that delivery promises are met without impacting on the existing customer base.The precision engineering demands of F1 components always set a challenge for both accuracy and delivery. The quest to improve performance, reduce weight or assist endurance keeps F1 at the forefront of development and with high spending power, maintains F1 as a ‘ precision engineering industry’, in a league of its own.
Following a season of unexpected successes, internal problems and questionable decision making, the FIA completed the 2009 season with promises of a secure future for Formula 1.
They are now looking towards 2010 and all publicity is showing high expectations of an exciting racing season ahead.
There have never been so many teams in the making, preparing to compete in the longest calendar so far.
For the first time three teams will be fronted by airline 'chiefs', Richard Branson for Virgin, Tony Fernandes for Lotus and Vijay Mallya for Force India.
Twelve teams, two cars each, nineteen expected races commencing in March and not completing until November. This long series is not helped by strict restrictions on spare cars, engines and gearboxes which can affect grid positions if additional spares are used.
By mutual agreement, the use of KERS will stop and not be used in 2010.
Refuelling will be banned during the race, pit stops will continue but only to change tyres. The anticipated time for tyre changes, 4 seconds or less!!!
With the continuing development of the ‘slick’ tyres, the front tyres will be approximately 25mm narrower which will leave a bigger air gap between chassis and tyre. It is expected that this additional space will lead to new designs for ducting to assist cooling the brakes.
The brakes will be coming under greater loads because of the additional fuel, approximately 100 kilogrammes, being carried from the start.
The new teams being formed are encouraged by the budget cap of £100 million which was in place for 2010 but has now been postponed for 1 year.
The FIA have confirmed that a slot has been granted to BMW Sauber on the 2010 grid following the withdrawal of BMW at the end of the season. Peter Sauber, the original founder, has bought the team back from BMW.
The highly successful Brawn team has sold a majority share to Mercedes-Benz who are looking for continuing dominance with Ross Brawn remaining as the driving force. The name will change to Mercedes-Benz and the cars will race in the silver colour of Mercedes.
Alpha Precision are proud of their contribution to the ongoing success of the ‘cutting edge’ industry of the Formula 1 teams.
