Weather Effect

[Chris]

I know weather is always an aspect in a race, but how much of an effect do you think it has? Do y ou think it can drastically effect the outcome of a race, or do oyu think it's just a minor factor that changes the mechanics? I personally don't think it's a huge aspect and think that all teams prepare for all types of weather, but it'd be interesting to see what others say and see if there's any 'bad weather teams'.

[JoStream]

It's a valid question Chris. History tells us that weather has always played an important, not necessarily always deciding, role in the outcome.

The worse the weather, the less predictable the race will generally be. Think of Spa 1998 or Monaco 1996; these were races where the weather caused havoc. It's just becomes harder to drive in wet conditions, and a larger puddle on the left side of the track that you overlooked can easily cause you to loose control and slide into the barrier. :eek:

But you are right, teams have scenarios for all weather conditions, but their accuracy and effectiveness will vary. :cool:

[F1 Today]

In terms of performance, I think it won’t be as drastic from 2007 onwards with only one tyre supplier, but it terms of mistakes etc… that’ll be the deciding factor.

[Radar]

The drivers with smoother driving styles usually perform better in wet weather as opossed to those who are heavy on the brakes.

[tysoe]

i wish every race was in the wet

[saltysurprise]

:lol: Now that would be something! Just plumb some sprinkler systems around the hairy corners on all the tracks. Better yet just dump a quart of 5/30 every 500 yards or so! (Just kidding! *ducks*)
I have to agree with Radar, "Smooth and steady" wins the race in the wet.

i wish every race was in the wet

[M3Power]

It probably has a very large effect on the outcome of the race. It brings out the best of the drivers' abilities as well as the team strategies.

When its a good day and then it starts raining the teams and drivers have to decide on new tyres, wet, mid conditions, or risk the dry tyres.

On the other side the drivers. We drive with the wipers on full and we still have a hard time. Imagine the rain right on your head while you try to concentrate on whats coming to you (or to be more precise where you are heading with 300kms/h). Its definitely not an easy task and add to that keeping the car on the track.

No matter how well prepared a team is, a race is always unpredictable. Rain makes it even more unpredictable.

[saltysurprise]

Here's what separates the good drivers/riders from the bad. IMHO.

The losing scenario=

Driver A. "We did the best we could. The tyres weren't up to snuff and the suspension was too... "

Driver B. "The team did everything they could to make the car/bike perfect. At one point I just pushed a little to hard..."

:cool: