Kubica back in an F1 car
Discussion
MartG said:
That can't be right. All the experts in here said he couldn't do it.thegreenhell said:
That can't be right. All the experts in here said he couldn't do it.
Just shows you how the human mind and body can defy the so called experts 
Great to hear. Really hope he can return full time. Would be amazing.
The major issue about the modern F1 cockpit which could be an issue is the amount of buttons and dials they have to tinker with during a race.
Holding the steering wheel with one hand could be very challenging.
ELUSIVEJIM said:
Just shows you how the human mind and body can defy the so called experts
Great to hear. Really hope he can return full time. Would be amazing.
The major issue about the modern F1 cockpit which could be an issue is the amount of buttons and dials they have to tinker with during a race.
Holding the steering wheel with one hand could be very challenging.
I recall an article that mentioned Renault were redesigning the steering wheel for him - presumably they can put more into menus, etc.Great to hear. Really hope he can return full time. Would be amazing.
The major issue about the modern F1 cockpit which could be an issue is the amount of buttons and dials they have to tinker with during a race.
Holding the steering wheel with one hand could be very challenging.
I wonder if voice control would be allowed - or how far the FIA would allow disability/accessibility.
ELUSIVEJIM said:
Holding the steering wheel with one hand could be very challenging.
F-ducts, driver activated by holding their hand or their knee against the side of the cockpit to seal the air line from the front of the car to the rear wing. Banned on safety grounds and replaced with DRS.Vaud said:
I recall an article that mentioned Renault were redesigning the steering wheel for him - presumably they can put more into menus, etc.
I wonder if voice control would be allowed - or how far the FIA would allow disability/accessibility.
What I don't get is the FIA want drivers out of the car within a certain time scale which Kubica has done.I wonder if voice control would be allowed - or how far the FIA would allow disability/accessibility.
What is going to happen in 2018 with the halo device? Will drivers get longer?
Could this cause Kubica more issues if the halo is hard to remove?
ELUSIVEJIM said:
What I don't get is the FIA want drivers out of the car within a certain time scale which Kubica has done.
What is going to happen in 2018 with the halo device? Will drivers get longer?
Could this cause Kubica more issues if the halo is hard to remove?
I'm guessing it will be integrated into the existing lift off structure - and being carbon fibre, not much of a weight issue?What is going to happen in 2018 with the halo device? Will drivers get longer?
Could this cause Kubica more issues if the halo is hard to remove?
The alternative shield only weighs 4-6kg depending on spec, the halo less
https://www.jamesallenonf1.com/2017/07/shield-vs-h...
thegreenhell said:
I didn't think the Halo was designed to be removable. Even if it is I doubt it will be part of the extraction test to remove it. The current extraction test only allows the driver to remove the steering wheel - the headrest must remain fixed to the car.
Ahh, interesting, I had overlooked that it is not removable. My error.Overhead view...
He's a great driver for sure, but the main question really, is will he be allowed to drive an F1 car with his hair thinning like that? With F1 being keen on safe cars/drivers, and so many other drivers with a full head of hair, Sadly I just can't see it.
Edited by Pebbles167 on Tuesday 1st August 17:59
Pebbles167 said:
He's a great driver for sure, but the main question really, is will he be allowed to drive an F1 car with his hair thinning like that? With F1 being keen on safe cars/drivers, and so many other drivers with a full head of hair, Sadly I just can't see it.
This is a very valid point and I'm surprised it hasn't been mentioned before. There are contingency plans of course, which is why the sponsors' hats are so prevalent and are obligatory headgear whenever there's a camera present. Mind you, now that Hamilton is starting show real signs of male pattern baldness, perhaps balaclavas will be mandatory for the duration of a race weekend?
It's certainly a worry.
Excited about today's test! It appears the years have not been kind to Bobby K.
DanielSan said:
So where do we reckon his pace will be in testing today? Faster than Palmer? Matching Hulkenburg on pace? Faster than Hulk? I'd imagine they'll have him doing a race simulation as part of his evaluation in the new car?
I would say faster than Palmer but matching Hulk as he gets more seat time. Would be astounded if he's immediately quicker than Hulk.Dr Z said:
I would say faster than Palmer but matching Hulk as he gets more seat time. Would be astounded if he's immediately quicker than Hulk.
It also depends how "qual" the test is. Test cars (aside form safety) don't have to conform to parc fermé, so they can run underweight, etc.I'm not saying they will, but it would give Hulk and Palmer a hurry up call if he gets close or beats their times.
Frimley111R said:
So far he's 1.2 secs off JP. I think its going to be hard on him from a media viewpoint. Everyone expects him to jump in and produce some outstanding times compared to current drivers. He is/was great but he needs a chance. Getting anywhere near JP will be impressive.
That's not bad going after the first hour or so to be fair. And this early in the day is he even going balls out yet? Frimley111R said:
So far he's 1.2 secs off JP. I think its going to be hard on him from a media viewpoint. Everyone expects him to jump in and produce some outstanding times compared to current drivers. He is/was great but he needs a chance. Getting anywhere near JP will be impressive.
Not sure he's been anywhere close to a quali sim yet, but I'm sure it will come. Not sure they're going to wind everything up to 11 (as it happens in Q2/3) for this test just to see how RK compares to the current drivers, but rest assured whatever the time he sets, they will be able to correct it to get a 'true' lap time. 1.2s off JP is looking good, on a short run he set it at.
Frimley111R said:
So far he's 1.2 secs off JP. I think its going to be hard on him from a media viewpoint. Everyone expects him to jump in and produce some outstanding times compared to current drivers. He is/was great but he needs a chance. Getting anywhere near JP will be impressive.
Can you let him finish the test first before jumping to the media view?Gassing Station | Formula 1 | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff