What has racing done for you?
* Motorsport and you * The future of the F1 engine * What has it done for you?...
Formula One as we know it began in 1950, and although it was initially a sport and is now primarily a mixture of entertainment and business, it has always handed benefits down to road cars. Here are a few of the most recent:
Paddle-shift gearbox A manual box that can be operated without a clutch pedal.
Traction and stability control Helps transmit lots of power to the road, even when its wet.
Active suspension Reduces body lean; increases cornering ability.
Carbon-ceramic brakes Superior stopping for the most powerful cars.
Two things that went the other way:
Crash tests Part of road car development for years; now even F1 cars must pass one.
Diesel power The fastest, most efficient way over 24 hours at Le Mans.
What has racing done for you?