oversteer vs. understeer

[f1.redbaron]

I was reading a book on F1 when I came across this quote:

"Understeer is when they hit the Armco with the front of the car; oversteer, on the other hand, is when they hit the Armco with the rear of the car." - Jock Clear, BAR-Honda

On top of it being funny, this explanation has got to be one of the simplest and easiest to understand. Granted, in order to find it funny, one would have to understand the difference between the two terms in advance.

Anyways, I just thought I'd share that with you...

[Guest]

I read that in Steve Matchett's "Chariots" book which I own and sadly forgot the title to.

West

[RH1300S]

I think it was Walter Rohl, who said

"Understeer is when you see the tree and oversteer is when you hear it"

Same thing different track side conditions

[manchild]

Oversteer is when your butt tries to overtake you

[Hudsonhawk]

Understeer scares the sh*t out of the driver.
Oversteer scares the sh*t out of the passanger.

Merry Xmas Fruitcakes and Happy Shumacher loosing New Year to you all.

The new year brings excitement with the arrival of Red Bullsh*t racing.....budget unlimitatous.....Following in the fartsteps of Fartrarri they too will drag this world of F1 to its knees. BUT, they will go one step further than Fartrarri and win an F1 World Championsh*t with an unknown driver. A steerer renound for tamming donkeys and the fastest man to whip one across the 2 mile oval track (no not alonso......) (world record pace of 30 minutes and 24 seconds)......With the reducion to V8's Vladamir poopinatin is only concerned about g forces....he just needs to remember to stay on the black stuff as his new donkey with round legs doesnt need to eat grass.....and it is the g (grass) forces that may be his undoing.

One thing is for sure......if only we could all dierich makingshitz ?

Regards
Fart&doe Eyeloanso (TLWC - The lucky world champion)

[f1.redbaron]

I read that in Steve Matchett's "Chariots" book which I own and sadly forgot the title to.

West

The Chariot Makers...I'm here for you!

[Bender]

I just finished reading "The Chariot Makers", it's a fantastic book, lots of (but still not enough) information about F1 cars and their construction.

Recommended Xmas gift for your local F1 nutter.

Can anyone recommend some follow-up books (or websites) to build on the info in chariot makers?

[Scuderia_Russ]

I know what you mean Bender, I believe this is to cater to a wider audience. At the other end of the scale is Formula 1 Technology by Peter Wright who was a Lotus engineer and has an amazing c.v. in general. (I think he's an F.I.A. advisor now) This book was written in the mid to late 90's I believe but is still a phenomenal resource! You will not be dissapointed if you make the purchase I assure you.

[f1.redbaron]

Bender, I agree with what you said, although, I would like have seen him spend a little more time on suspensions.

If you're looking for more books from him, check out "The Mechanic's Tale". I believe that it is his first book, and some say that it wasn't well written at all. I haven't read it, so I'm not going to say anything, except that I heard that the book is more about his life in F1 than about F1 technology.

Nevertheless, I like him and I enjoy listening to him on Speed. Actually, if you're in Canada/US and get the Speed Channel, make sure you watch the Fridays' practice sessions. You're gonna hear a lot of great things from that guy.

[Bender]

Thanks for the suggestions, i've already read both of matchetts other books, "life in the fast lane" and "the Mechanics Tale", both good books but not really technical resources, as you said.

I've been looking for Formula 1 Technology locally, but no luck so far, I might just have to get it from amazon.

I live in australia, so we only get the ITV coverage, but i've downloaded some of the F1 documentaries from Speed and they are pretty interesting

[Scuderia_Russ]

I live in australia, so we only get the ITV coverage

Tough break! Does that mean you have to put up with Jams Allen too?! I use Amazon all of the time. If you buy a book that you don't like you can sell it directly through the site again.

[f1.redbaron]

I live in australia, so we only get the ITV coverage

Tough break! Does that mean you have to put up with Jams Allen too?!

Yeah, I don't like either one of them. Brundle is a little better, but still, guys from Speed Channel are way better. The only thing wrong with Speed TV is the fact that they play comercials every 7 or so laps...especially during qualifying and practice sessions.

[wowf1]

You seriously don't like Martin Brundle!? He's one of the best sports commentators I've ever heard. He combines technical speak (but not too much otherwise he'd alienate casual fans) with common sense, racing knowledge and a faultless broadcasting style. What's to dislike?

James Allen on the other hand is a bit of a muppet. I keep saying to myself 'give him a chance' but he continues to annoy me! Glad to know I'm not the only one who doesn't really like him, especially after reading the campaign on http://www.sniffpetrol.com

[DaveKillens]

I'm fortunate in that I get both the ITV and SpeedTV feed. I do have to say I like David Hobbs. He still knows a lot, and some of his comments are entertaining. of course, those of us who remember, can never forget the man who brought enthusiasm and a whole new approach to commentary, the unique Murray Walker.

[Tom]

Prof Sid Watkins book, Triumph & Tragedy in Formula 1, is worth a read.
Not much about technology, but a good history and lots about safety.

P.S. Both Brundle and Allan are both good, still not Murray though