Formula 1: Lotus E20 Question

[demxx57]

Hey, everybody.

I was watching the 2012 Bahrain GP race edit and I noticed that after Kimi Raikkonen passed one of the McLarens, he reached down with his left hand and pulled a lever. Does anyone have any idea what he is doing or what that lever does?

I included the link below and it should start at 1:07, right before he pulls the lever.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...Sctju4HQ#t=67s

[007MCoupe]

I do believe, and someone correct me if i'm wrong, but every car has that (maybe not every but most...without more research) and it's to change the brake bias

[Impervious]

E Brake.

[demxx57]

Originally Posted by 007MCoupe

I do believe, and someone correct me if i'm wrong, but every car has that (maybe not every but most...without more research) and it's to change the brake bias

After you mentioned that, I looked it up and I think the brake bias is on the steering wheel. The Formula 1 website says that it is one of the rotary control knobs. But, each team could be running something different.

http://www.formula1.com/inside_f1/un...port/5287.html

[007MCoupe]

Yeah I'd have to rewatch all the races, but I thought I heard one of the commentators say it was brake bias. I know it used to be on the steering wheel. IDK.

[007MCoupe]

Watch Nico's pole lap from China. Starting his lap at 0:32 you'll see his hand go down to his side and especially entering that long straight.

Here's the lever in the Merc he's changing

[demxx57]

Originally Posted by 007MCoupe

Watch Nico's pole lap from China. Starting his lap at 0:32 you'll see his hand go down to his side and especially entering that long straight.

Here's the lever in the Merc he's changing

I am thoroughly convinced! Great stuff! Thanks, 007!

[E90SLAM]

Case closed, brake bias it is.
Regulation allows certain brake bias between front and rear. But prohibits left to right brake bias for better cornering.

[demxx57]

Oh, and Nico's lap was terrific! So is that commentator on the left. Thanks, again!

[E90SLAM]

Off topic, SkySportsF1 got two female casts, one is Georgie Thompson, and also paddock reporter Natalie Pinkham

[007MCoupe]

Georgie (the one in the video i linked) has body karate

[Spec Volcanic]

It is likely a sway bar adjustment

[BrokenVert]

Coulthard always said it was a brake Bias lever down there when Schumi plays with it. I trust him with all things F1.

[UltimateBMW]

Originally Posted by BrokenVert

Coulthard always said it was a brake Bias lever down there when Schumi plays with it. I trust him with all things F1.

Both Coulthard and Brundle refer to it as Brake Bias. Whether Brundle just got it from Coulthard or knew from his own time as a driver back then is unknown. But it's safe to say it is bias with relative certainty.

I believe Schumacher himself has confirmed its a bias adjustment, and that he tends to adjust it more often than most drivers. Which may be why you see Rosberg working it more often as well, picking up something from Schumacher. Though, Rosberg's qualy 3 lap at Bahrain was ruined because he attempted to alter the bias right before the hairpin where everyone was locking their wheels at, he missed the apex and lost time. Which let Vettel get pole.