In almost every game or sporting event, there are rules and regulations that must be adhered to for proper gameplay. In football, players must follow the regulations, in order to ensure that nobody gets sent off – although this isn’t always the case. In cricket, players must comply with LBWs to make sure that batters don’t get called ‘out’ too soon, and wicket keepers must wear protective headgear so that they don’t get injured. And, in Formula One, there are regulations and rules that ensure both the safety and the orderliness of each game.
There are a great deal of regulations that must be adhered to in regards to the type of vehicle that can be driven. The vehicle, that the regulations mandate say must be used, is now known as the Formula One race car. There are certain internal tests that these cars must pass in order to be considered for driving purposes. For instance, each vehicle must be submitted to a variety of stress tests before it is passed as drivable. These include crash tests and squeeze tests. These examinations are rather vigorous, and consist of repeatedly crashing the car to test its durability.
The car also needs to be subjected to certain engine tests to ascertain its suitability for Formula 1. The engines must also pass parameter checks to make sure that everything – the petrol compatibility, for example – is up to scratch. The engines must not contain certain things, such as air pre-coolers and cylinder fuel injection systems.
The tyres of all Formula One automobiles are also provided by a single supplier – Pirelli. They supply two general types of tyres, both for different purposes. The Prime tyres, which are made of tougher materials, are far more long lasting. The Option tyre, made out of a softer compound, is intended to provide more traction and grip to the racing vehicle.