FIA delays until French GP application of F1 porpoising metric

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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.

Read also: FIA amends F1's 2022 sporting and technical rules

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.

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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.