One of the vital iconic elements of F1 automobiles is undoubtedly the steering wheel. Let’s delve into an evaluation to uncover the workings and all of the secrets and techniques of the Ferrari steering wheel, probably the most famend and admired within the paddock.
We’ll divide the evaluation of the Ferrari steering wheel into sections based mostly on the sorts of switches current. We’ll begin with the buttons, then transfer on to the so-called “rotary switches,” and eventually describe the toggles.
The Evaluation of the Ferrari Steering Wheel: The Buttons
We start the evaluation of the Ferrari steering wheel by describing the operate of all of the buttons. As will be inferred from their dimension and distinguished place, buttons 1 and a pair of are among the many most essential within the automobile. The primary, marked with the letter “N” for “Impartial,” engages impartial gear. This operate is important to permit the driving force to not maintain the clutch throughout extended stops. Primarily used throughout free observe stops and whereas making ready for begins, it’s now not used throughout race pit stops. The truth is, the extent of pace achieved by mechanics in tire modifications leaves no time for the driving force to press the button!
The second button, marked with “P” for “Pit limiter,” prompts the obligatory pace limiter for the pit lane. The utmost worth ranges from 60 km/h to 80 km/h relying on the circuit. This permits the driving force to speed up freely with out worrying about controlling the throttle. It is usually value noting that, as these modes are used solely in particular conditions—outdoors of which they’d trigger a major drawback (e.g., activating the limiter in the midst of a Grand Prix)—they’re surrounded by a protecting cowl to forestall unintentional presses.
Button 3, labeled “RADIO,” opens communication with the pit wall. Engineers can discuss to the driving force at any time, whereas the driving force should use this command to speak, urgent it once more on the finish to shut the road.
Button 4, marked “PC” for “Pit Verify,” is utilized by the driving force to indicate their settlement to hold out a pit cease with no need to speak it by way of radio. The truth is, it is extremely widespread to listen to the race engineer say: “Field field. Pit verify please!” This operate can be helpful in case of radio malfunction, serving as a substitute option to sign the intent to pit.
Button 5, labeled “CHR” for “CHARGING,” prompts the hybrid charging mode. It’s predominantly used on the finish of a qualifying lap or throughout a Security Automotive interval. Upon activation, three blue LEDs mild up on the rev counter (as proven within the following photograph).
Ferrari steering wheel “Charging mode on” – supply: f1ingenerale
Button 6, labeled “OIL,” prompts the secondary oil pump for extra engine lubrication when the first lubrication is inadequate. It’s activated by the driving force upon request from the pit wall.
Buttons 7 and eight, labeled “Okay,” present further energy to the engine in two modes. The “K1” mode is used throughout duels, both to assault or defend on straights. The “K2” map is activated throughout key laps of the race, such because the GP begin, the in-lap or out-lap throughout a pit cease, or restarts after a Security Automotive. These modes are used sparingly as they exert further pressure on the engine, which, if extreme, would cut back its mileage and will compromise its reliability.
Buttons 9, labeled “+1” and “+10,” are used to set parameters for varied settings. For instance, when engine points come up, it’s widespread to listen to the engineer over the radio offering values to enter on the steering wheel (often referring to sensors not functioning appropriately).
Toggle 10 adjusts all of the automobile’s parameters based mostly on the kind of tires fitted, as dry tires have a distinct diameter in comparison with intermediates (INTERS) and excessive moist tires (XW for “Excessive Moist”).
The Rotary Switches of the Ferrari Steering Wheel
Change 11, labeled “SOC” for “State of Cost,” units the hybrid system’s charging mode. The nearer the quantity is to 1, the extra “aggressive” the vitality deployment shall be, prioritizing vitality utilization over storage within the battery.
Rotary switches 12–16 management varied facets of the automobile’s setup, equivalent to engine braking (“EB”), the differential in entry and mid-corner (DIF IN and MID), braking settings (“BS” for “Brake Shave”), and torque supply (“TRQ” for “Torque”). These are essentially the most regularly utilized by drivers to fine-tune the automobile’s habits throughout qualifying laps or adapt their driving fashion to race circumstances, together with gasoline and tire administration.
The Toggles
Toggle 17, often known as “MULTIFUNCTION,” acts as the guts of the automobile, permitting the adjustment of all the first settings, equivalent to gearbox settings (“GX”), spark plug settings (“SPK” for Sparks), and default driver settings associated to sensors.
It’s typically paired with buttons 9 to regulate the values within the chosen space. For instance, to set the gearbox to worth 3, the dial should first be turned to the GX setting, adopted through the use of the buttons to scroll via the choices till quantity 3 is chosen.
Toggle 18 units the hybrid methods (“PU modes”), managing the interplay between the inner combustion engine and the electrical motor. Modes embrace “RACE” for the race, “PUSH” for qualifying laps, and “SLOW” for Security Automotive (SC) and Digital Security Automotive (VSC) phases.
Change 19 determines the “Engine modes,” which management the facility of the inner combustion engine (also known as “ICE,” or Inside Combustion Engine). The nearer the setting is to 1, the higher the facility output. Conservative mappings are most well-liked throughout free observe, whereas larger settings are used for qualifying and the race. Nonetheless, because the 2020 Italian Grand Prix, this setting has been locked in parc fermé, stopping groups from adjusting it after qualifying.
Toggle 20, known as “SECONDARY MULTIFUNCTION,” operates equally to the beforehand described toggle however controls secondary, much less regularly adjusted settings of the automobile.
Change 21 adjusts the clutch “chunk level,” primarily modified earlier than the beginning.
Lastly, toggle 22, labeled “Tyre Part,” doesn’t alter the automobile however permits the driving force to shortly and cryptically inform the workforce about tire circumstances through the race.
Supply: f1ingenerale
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