F1 News, Reports and Race Results

FIA delays until French GP application of F1 porpoising metric

The FIA has delayed until the French Grand Prix its oversight of F1's porpoising problem, and given teams two race weekend's to prepare for the introduction of its vertical bouncing metric.

In Canada two weeks ago, the governing body intervened on the grounds of safety to force teams to gain control of their porpoising issues by publishing a Technical Directive that aims to eradicate the phenomenon.

The FIA's TD called for the establishment of a specific metric that will measure the vertical acceleration of each car while also setting a limit for vertical movement that teams must stay within by eventually raising the ride height of their car.

After collecting and processing all the relevant data, the FIA defined the specific metric and has shared it with the teams ahead of this weekend's British Grand Prix.

However, a stringent monitoring of each car's vertical acceleration will only come into force at next month's French Grand Prix, leaving team's two races – Silverstone and Spielberg – to prepare their cars for the FIA's clampdown.

"We have defined a metric by which to monitor this - the update has been sent to teams to allow them to conduct their own analysis over the next two grands prix to understand what, if any, changes they may need to implement in order to be compliant when the Technical Directive becomes effective as of the French Grand Prix."

The FIA has also updated specific parameters relating to plank wear and skid stiffness that are associated with porpoising and which they say go 'hand in hand' with their new metric.

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.

Recent Posts

McLaren: No regrets over timing of Norris pit stop in Sao Paulo GP

McLaren team principal Andrea Stella has insisted that the squad has no regrets about their…

1 hour ago

Williams' Boutsen hoists the mainsail in Adelaide

On this day in 1989, Williams' Thierry Boutsen secured his second F1 win when he…

2 hours ago

Horner: Max 'answered critics' with epic Sao Paulo GP drive

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner hailed Max Verstappen’s sensational Sao Paulo Grand Prix victory…

3 hours ago

Sainz left puzzled by double crash drama in rainy São Paulo

Carlos Sainz was left scratching his head after a disastrous Sunday at the Sao Paulo…

4 hours ago

Alonso pushed through agonizing pain to complete Sao Paulo GP

Fernando Alonso braved both physical agony and mechanical challenges in the Sao Paulo Grand Prix,…

6 hours ago

Alpine double-podium in Brazil could deliver $30 million windfall

Alpine’s remarkable double podium at the São Paulo Grand Prix with Esteban Ocon and Pierre…

20 hours ago