Formula 1 teams considering lifting ban on active suspension

[Rob]

By Dieter Rencken and Jonathan Noble Tuesday, April 15th 2014, 12:32 GMT

F1's use of gizmos was pegged back after reaching its wildest heights in 1993Formula 1 teams are considering lifting the ban on active suspension as part of a move to control costs, AUTOSPORT has learned.

With F1's Strategy Group having decided against a cost cap, it is instead looking at alternative ways to keep spending under control.

And one of the proposals being evaluated is to allow active suspension back in F1 for the first time since 1993.

The belief is that the electronic technology would actually be more cost effective for teams in terms of achieving the optimum car set-up than the current complicated mechanical-only systems.

The move is being considered for 2017, and could come in at the same time as a switch to 18-inch tyre rims.

AUTOSPORT understands that a number of other short and long-term proposals are being evaluated by the Strategy Group for implementation over the next few years.

They include efforts to simplify parts of the car where there is currently vast expense, including in the fuel system, crash structures, the front wing design, inter-connected front and rear suspension, and brake ducts.

There could also be tweaks to the GP weekend curfew hours and further reductions on staff numbers allowed at races.

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/113465

[Kiwi Nick]

When my road car has three suspension settings, and the stiffness of the dampers cam be varied automatically or by driver input, why shouldn't the pinnacle of motor racing have the same level of technology or better?

[REDARMYSOJA]

Let's save money by introducing new technology. Only the infinite wisdom of the FIA could come up with this.

[M.K]

From what I understand it should help the ones like Kimi who struggle to find "balance" in car.

[Hornet]

When my road car has three suspension settings, and the stiffness of the dampers cam be varied automatically or by driver input, why shouldn't the pinnacle of motor racing have the same level of technology or better?

There has to be a limit though, as many road car technology aims at making driving easier. But that's not what we should do in racing, driving aids basically takes away the racing aspect. For example, ABS, advance technology, but it shouldn't be in racing for the obvious reason.

Car setup is part of racing skills which includes suspension setup, and I feel we shouldn't take that away by replacing it with a computer controlled system.

[stefa]

Let's save money by introducing new technology. Only the infinite wisdom of the FIA could come up with this.

All this talks about cost savings is pure rubish! How they can save money while introducing new high tech things?!
This sport really died at the end of 2008
R.I.P. Formula 1

[Nero Horse]

So, FIA wants to cut costs and save money by bringing back high-tech gadgets that need lots of money to develop? Yes, I certainly see the logic behind that thinking. Well done FIA, keep it up!

[Senna4Ever]

This sport really died at the end of 2008
R.I.P. Formula 1

I think there would be better and more relevant opportunities to safe the planet ...

[DIEK]

[Alesi1]

Great bring back another area we excelled at (recall 92/93).

[Tifoso]

All this talks about cost savings is pure rubish! How they can save money while introducing new high tech things?!
This sport really died at the end of 2008
R.I.P. Formula 1

I am afraid that you may be right.

[Cheeseman]

There has to be a limit though, as many road car technology aims at making driving easier. But that's not what we should do in racing, driving aids basically takes away the racing aspect. For example, ABS, advance technology, but it shouldn't be in racing for the obvious reason.

Car setup is part of racing skills which includes suspension setup, and I feel we shouldn't take that away by replacing it with a computer controlled system.

I agree, my road car has ABS, traction control and low profile tyres which are not on F1 cars. All those gimmicks available on road cars are primarily aimed at safety. F1 is suppose to be about skill which is why they got rid of driver aids a few years ago