Product Description

F1 journalist David Tremayne unravels the mysteries of modern Grand Prix car design in this all-colour book. Using information gleaned from the sport's leading designers, the authoritative, extensively illustrated text, written with the armchair enthusiast in mind, explains just how a Formula 1 car works. The philosophy and technology behind the chassis, engine, transmission, electronics, steering, suspension, brakes, tyres and aerodynamics are analysed and the important question of how these parts and systems interact is explored, providing An insight into the secretive technology-driven world of Formula 1 car design. The book covers: chassis construction - composite materials, how chassis strength influences performance, aerodynamic influences and safety aspects; the engine - the reasons for adopting the V10 layout, the forces involved, the search for ever-higher revs, how fuels and oils contribute to performance; the transmission - basic gearbox principles, gearbox design, electro-hydraulic actuation, the differential, driveshafts; electronics - how this most important factor influences so many areas, including the engine, transmission and telemetry; steering, suspension and brakes; tyres - why different tyres exert so much influence on performance; aerodynamics - basic theory, what individual components do, and how aerodynamic changes are made; and how all the various elements interact, and how F1 cars are tested.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #467651 in Books
• Published on: 2004-07-15
• Format: Illustrated
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 160 pages

Review
'a great insight' Daily Express 'minimum jargon and brilliantly illustrated...a fascinating read' Auto Express

Customer Reviews

The best technical analysis book on F1 cars
I've collected a number of formula 1 books, covering the technical side of the F1 cars, these include Formula 1 technology, The quest for speed, The anatomy & development of the formula one racing car, and The science of speed (also by David Tremayne, but a different book)
If you're interested in an introduction to the F1 cars, The science of Formula 1 design is by far the best.
The chapters cover all the important areas like aerodynamics, chassis, engine, transmission, electronics, suspension & steering, brakes and tyres.
The aerodynamics chapter includes sections on front wings, noses (with Willaims latest "Walrus" nose covered), barge boards, sidepods, undertray, airboxes, rear wheel scallops, rear wings, diffuser, and gurney flaps, etc.
The book also goes through the manufacture process of the chassis, with lots of colour photographs, and the crash tests that it has to withstand.
In the suspension and steerng chapter, there are diagrams, that have enabled me to fully understand the difference between the "single-keel" chassis and the "twin-keel" chassis. Something I've heard about but could never find much information about.
Overall this book is BRILLIANT, has lots of colour photographs and diagrams (by Giogio Piola, who has a series of very good yearly technical analysis books) and is completely up-to-date, it has a section of the future of the sport and includes the transcript from the press briefing with FIA President Max Mosley at Monaco on 4th May 2004, plus the proposed new rules.
If your after a book on the history of the F1 car, look elsewhere.
If you want a book on the latest F1 cars, get this one, I would like to give it 6 stars as I am so impressed by it, plus for the price Amazon are selling it for, it is a true bargain.

Simplistic, but truthful
If you are new to the sport, this is a mighty book. It is very broad and the pictures are fantastic. The text is good and the editing sharp.

However, for those that already know the basics, there is nothing new here. Having followed F1 since the early 90s, it did not teach me anything, which was disappointing.

If you want a first step, this is a great book, but more experienced fans will get more out of Giorgio Piolas books.