subject: Less Testing Doesn't Necessarily Mean Less Fibreglass For Formula 1 [print this page] Fibreglass is an essential ingredient into the makeup of a Formula 1 car. It is an extremely heat resistant and strong product which features several beneficial aspects to any team looking to use it. It was initially thought that the introduction of the testing ban would see a reduction in costs and there for an reduction in product production.
If anything the case has been quite the opposite, because some Formula 1 teams have been so desperate to catch up with the leaders of the series in the form of Brawn GP and Red Bull Racing, there has been an increase in the amount of fibreglass production taking place inside the paddock, which has been good news for fibreglass manufacturers in the UK.
With a host of the current Formula 1 teams including Brawn, Williams, Force India, Red Bull Racing and McLaren all residing in the UK and the prospect of further teams like Lotus and Manor joining the championship in 2010, things are starting to look slightly more optimistic for the struggling fibreglass industry within the UK.
Brawn has been one team who has had to continually develop their car to maintain their impressive form. Although the team entered the season with a fantastic package that had been designed, constructed and refined over the end of 2008, once every other team upped the ante with a host of improvements it was up to the Brackley based team to respond.
The easiest way to make improvements to a winning car is to find small aerodynamic enhancements that will allow the drivers to shave a few extra tenths of the lap time either down the straights or through the corners. This can be achieved by obtaining greater downforce and therefore extra grip or finding a better way to manoeuvre the air over the car.
With the restrictive new rules laid out before the start of the 2009 campaign got underway, there was very little room for the manufacturers to make changes. However, these are some of the best engineers in the world and it appears that no matter what rules or restrictions are placed upon them they will always find a way to make the cars go faster and faster.
In the current economic crisis it has been good news to hear that the fibreglass factories are benefitting from the success of the Formula 1 championship and I'm sure they will be able to celebrate in Brawn GP's success.
by: Anna Stenning
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