107% rule

During the first phase of qualifying, any driver who fails to set a lap within 107 percent
of the fastest Q1 time will not be allowed to start the race. However, in exceptional
circumstances, which could include a driver setting a suitable time during practice,
the stewards may permit the car to start.

Aerodynamics

The study of airflow over and around an object and an intrinsic part of Formula One
car design.

Airbox

The engine air intake above the driver's head, which also serves as the car's rol l
hoop.

Apex

The middle point of the inside line around a corner at which drivers aim their cars.

Appeal

An action that a team takes on its drivers' behalf if it feels that they have been unfairly
penalised by the race officials.

Autoclave

A device that uses heat and pressure to 'cure' carbon fibre, the primary material
Formula One cars are made of.

Backmarker

A term used to describe a driver at the rear end of the field, often when he is
encountered by the race leaders. Blue flags are used to inform the backmarker when
he should let a faster car past.

Ballast

Weights fixed around the car to maximise its balance and bring it up to the minimum
weight limit.
Bargeboard

The piece of bodywork mounted vertically between the front wheels and the start of
the sidepods to help smooth the airflow around the sides of the car.

Blistering

The consequence of a tyre, or part of a tyre, overheating. Excess heat can cause
rubber to soften and break away in chunks from the body of the tyre. Blistering can be
caused by the selection of an inappropriate tyre compound (for example, one that is
too soft for circuit conditions), too high tyre pressure, or an improperly set up car.

Bodywork

The carbon fibre sections fitted onto the monocoque before the cars leave the pits,
such as the engine cover, the cockpit top and the nosecone.

Bottoming

When a car's chassis hits the track surface as it runs through a sharp compression
and reaches the bottom of its suspension travel.

Brake balance

A switch in the cockpit to alter the split of the car's braking power between the front
and the rear wheels according to a driver's wishes.

CAD

Short for Computer-aided design, the method used to design Formula One cars.

Camber

The angle at which a tyre leans into or away from the car relative to the vertical axis.
Engineers will vary camber to improve a car's handling characteristics.

CFD

Short for Computational fluid dynamics, a tool used by F1 designers that uses
complex mathematics and simulation to predict aerodynamic airflow. Normally used in
conjunction with traditional wind tunnel research.
Chassis

The main part of a racing car to which the engine and suspension are attached is
called the chassis.

Chicane

A tight sequence of corners in alternate directions. Usually inserted into a circuit to

slow the cars, often just before what had been a high-speed corner.

Clean air

Air that isn't turbulent, and thus offers optimum aerodynamic conditions, as
experienced by a car at the head of the field.

Coanda effect

The tendency of a fluid jet, such as airflow, to be attracted to a nearby surface. F1

aerodynamicists use the effect to help divert airflow to specific areas of the car, for
example from the exhaust exit to the rear diffuser.

Cockpit

The section of the chassis in which the driver sits.

Compound

Tread compound is the part of any tyre in contact with the road and therefore one of
the major factors in deciding tyre performance. The ideal compound is one with
maximum grip but which still maintains durability and heat resistance. A typical
Formula One race compound will have more than ten ingredients such as rubbers,
polymers, sulphur, carbon black, oil and other curatives. Each of these includes a
vast number of derivatives any of which can be used to a greater or lesser degree.
Very small changes to the mix can change compound performance.

Debrief

The meeting between a team's drivers and engineers after an on-track session in
which car set-up, performance and strategy are discussed.

Degradation
A term used to describe the process by which a tyre loses performance or grip.
Different from tyre wear which concerns the process by which the tread is worn away.

Delta time

A term used to describe the time difference between two different laps or two different
cars. For example, there is usually a negative delta between a driver's best practice
lap time and his best qualifying lap time because he uses a low fuel load and new
tyres.

Diffuser

The rear section of the car's floor or undertray where the air flowing under the car
exits. The design of the diffuser is crucial as it controls the speed at which the air
exits. The faster its exit, the lower the air pressure beneath the car, and hence the
more downforce the car generates.

Downforce

The aerodynamic force that is applied in a downwards direction as a car travels

forwards. This is harnessed to improve a car's traction and its handling through
corners.

Drag

The aerodynamic resistance experienced as a car travels forwards.

Drive-through penalty

One of two penalties that can be handed out at the discretion of the Stewards whilst
the race is still running. Drivers must enter the pit lane, drive through it complying with
the speed limit, and re-join the race without stopping.

Drivers' briefing

A meeting of all the drivers and the FIA race director to discuss issues relating to that
particular Grand Prix and circuit. Other subjects, such as driving standards and
safety, may also be discussed.

DRS
Also known as adjustable rear wings, DRS (Drag Reduction System) rear wings allow
the driver to adjust the wing between two pre-determined settings from the cockpit.
The system's availability is electronically governed - it can be used at any time in
practice and qualifying (unless a driver is on wet-weather tyres), but during the race
can only be activated when a driver is less than one second behind another car at
pre-determined points on the track. The system is then deactivated once the driver
brakes. In combination with KERS, it is designed to boost overtaking. Also like KERS,
it isn't compulsory.

ECU

Short for Electronic Control Unit, a standard unit that controls the electrical systems
on all F1 cars including the engine and gearbox.

Endplate

The vertical panels that form the outer edges of a car's front and rear wings and to
which the main wing elements are attached.

Energy Store

The Energy Store (sometimes abbreviated to ES) is an integral part of an F1 car's

powertrain and ERS. Located in the fuel cell and weighing between 20-25kg, the
Energy Store usually consists of lithium ion batteries. The Energy Store can store (or
return to the drivetrain) 4MJ of energy per lap, although MGU-K (see ERS) may only
charge the Energy Store with 2MJ per lap.

ERS

Energy Recovery Systems, or ERS for short, consist of Motor Generator Units that
harness waste heat energy (from the turbocharger) and waste kinetic energy (from
the braking system). This energy is then stored and subsequently used to propel the
car. An F1 car has two ERS: MGU-K (which stands for Motor Generator Unit - Kinetic)
and MGU-H (which stands for Motor Generator Unit - Heat). These systems are
complemented by an Energy Store (ES) and control electronics. ERS is capable of
providing 120kw of power (approximately 160bhp) for approximately 33 seconds per
lap.

Flat spot

The term given to the area of a tyre that is worn heavily on one spot after a moment
of extreme braking or in the course of a spin. This ruins its handling, often causing
severe vibration, and may force a driver to pit for a replacement set of tyres.
Formation lap

The lap before the start of the race when the cars are driven round from the grid to
form up on the grid again for the start of the race. Sometimes referred to as the
warm-up lap or parade lap.

G-force

A physical force equivalent to one unit of gravity that is multiplied during rapid
changes of direction or velocity. Drivers experience severe G-forces as they corner,
accelerate and brake.

Graining

When a car slides, it can cause little bits or rubber ('grains') to break away from the
tyre's grooves. These then stick to the tread of the tyre, effectively separating the tyre
from the track surface very slightly. For the driver, the effect is like driving on ball
bearings. Careful driving can clear the graining within a few laps, but will obviously
have an effect on the driver's pace. Driving style, track conditions, car set-up, fuel
load and the tyre itself all play a role in graining. In essence, the more the tyre move s
about on the track surface (ie slides), the more likely graining is.

Gravel trap

A bed of gravel on the outside of corners designed with the aim of bringing cars that
fall off the circuit to a halt.

Grip

The amount of traction a car has at any given point, affecting how easy it is for the
driver to keep control through corners.

Handling

A term used to describe a car's responsiveness to driver input and its ability to
negotiate corners effectively. A car that handles well will typically be well-balanced
and not understeer or oversteer to any great degree.

HANS Device
Short for Head and Neck Support Device, a mandatory safety device that fits over the
driver's shoulders and connects to the back of the helmet to prevent excessive head
and neck movement in the event of an accident.

Headrest

The removable energy-absorbing foam that surrounds the driver's helmet in the
cockpit. Three different grades of foam are used, depending on the ambient
temperature.

Heat cycle

A term used to describe the process by which a tyre is heated through use and then
cooled down. This has the effect of slightly changing the properties of the compound
and can improve durability.

Installation lap

A lap done on arrival at a circuit, testing functions such as throttle, brakes and
steering before heading back to the pits without crossing the finish line.

Jump start

When a driver moves off his grid position before the five red lights have been
switched off to signal the start. Sensors detect premature movement and a jump start
earns a driver a penalty.

Kevlar

A synthetic fibre that is combined with epoxy resin to create a strong, lightweight
composite used in F1 car construction.

Left-foot braking

A style of braking made popular in the 1990s following the arrival of hand clutches so
that drivers could keep their right foot on the throttle and dedicate their left to braking.

Lock-up
The term used to describe a driver braking sharply and 'locking' one or more tyres
whilst the others continue rotating. Tyre smoke and flat spots are common side
effects.

Lollipop

The sign on a stick held in front of the car during a pit stop to inform the driver to
apply the brakes and then to engage first gear prior to the car being lowered from its
jacks.

Marbles

The small pieces of tyre rubber that accumulate at the side of the track off the racing
line. Typically these are very slippery when driven on.

Marshal

A course official who oversees the safe running of the race. Marshals have several
roles to fill, including observing the spectators to ensure they do not endanger
themselves or the competitors, acting as fire wardens, helping to remove stranded
cars/drivers from the track and using waving flags to signal the condition of the track
to drivers.

Monocoque

The single-piece tub in which the cockpit is located, with the engine fixed behind it
and the front suspension on either side at the front.

Nomex ®

An artificial, fire-resistant fibre used to make drivers' race overalls, underwear, gloves
and boots.

Option tyre

The second - and usually softer - of the two tyre compounds nominated by the official
tyre supplier for use at each Grand Prix. Not expected in theory to be as well suited
as the prime tyre to that particular circuit's characteristics, but may provide certain
advantages in terms of pace or durability.

Out brake
A term used to describe a driver braking either too late or too softly and subsequently
overrunning a corner. A common mistake made during overtaking moves.

Oversteer

When a car's rear end doesn't want to go around a corner and tries to overtake the
front end as the driver turns in towards the apex. This often requires opposite-lock to
correct, whereby the driver turns the front wheels into the skid.

Paddles

Levers on either side of the back of a steering wheel with which a driver changes up
and down the gearbox.

Paddock

An enclosed area behind the pits in which the teams keep their transporters and
motor homes. There is no admission to the public.

Parc ferme

A fenced-off area into which cars are driven after qualifying and the race, where no
team members are allowed to touch them except under the strict supervision of race
stewards.

Pit board

A board held out on the pit wall to inform a driver of his race position, the time interval
to the car ahead or the one behind, plus the number of laps of the race remaining.

Pit wall

Where the team owner, managers and engineers spend the race, usually under an
awning to keep sun and rain off their monitors.

Pits

An area of track separated from the start/finish straight by a wall, where the cars are
brought for new tyres and fuel during the race, or for set-up changes in practice, each
stopping at their respective pit garages.
Plank

A hard wooden strip (also known as a skid block) that is fitted front-to-back down the
middle of the underside of all cars to check that they are not being run too close to
the track surface, something that is apparent if the wood is excessively worn.

Pole position

The first place on the starting grid, as awarded to the driver who recorded the fastest
lap time in qualifying.

Powertrain

The term used to describe the entire system providing an F1 car's power. The
powertrain (or power unit as it is sometimes known) comprises of the engine, two
Energy Recovery Systems (ERS) and an Energy Store.

Practice

The periods on Friday and on Saturday morning at a Grand Prix meeting when the
drivers are out on the track working on the set-up of their cars in preparation for
qualifying and the race.

Prime tyre

Of the two tyre compounds nominated by the official tyre supplier for use at each
Grand Prix, the prime is the compound that is in theory best suited to that particular
circuit's characteristics. Normally harder than the option tyre.

Protest

An action lodged by a team when it considers that another team or competitor has
transgressed the rules.

Qualifying

The knock-out session on Saturday in which the drivers compete to set the best time
they can in order to determine the starting grid for the race.

R&D
Short for Research and Development, the term describes activities undertaken by a
team to develop or improve a system or component.

Reconnaissance lap

A lap completed when drivers leave the pits to assemble on the grid for the start. If a
driver decides to do several, they must divert through the pit lane as the grid will be
crowded with team personnel.

Retirement

When a car has to drop out of the race because of an accident or mechanical failure.

Ride height

The height between the track's surface and the floor of the car.

Rumblestrip

A bumpy, often saw-toothed strip of kerbing usually found on the exit of a corner to
warn the driver of the edge of the track.

Safety Car

The course vehicle that is called from the pits to run in front of the leading car in the
race in the event of a problem that requires the cars to be slowed.

Scrutineering

The technical checking of cars by the officials to ensure that none are outside the
regulations.

Sectors

For timing purposes the lap is split into three sections, each of which is roughly a third
of the lap. These sections are officially known as Sector 1, Sector 2 and Sector 3.

Shakedown

A brief test when a team is trying a different car part for the first time before going
back out to drive at 100 percent to set a fast time.
Sidepod

The part of the car that flanks the sides of the monocoque alongside the driver and
runs back to the rear wing, housing the radiators.

Slipstreaming

A driving tactic when a driver is able to catch the car ahead and duck in behind its
rear wing to benefit from a reduction in drag over its body and hopefully be able to
achieve a superior maximum speed to slingshot past before the next corner.

Steward

One of three high-ranking officials at each Grand Prix appointed to make decisions.

Stop-go penalty

A penalty given that involves the driver calling at his pit and stopping for 10 seconds -
with no refuelling or tyre-changing allowed.

Tear-off strips

See-through plastic strips that drivers fit to their helmet's visor before the start of the
race and then remove as they become dirty.

Telemetry

A system that beams data related to the engine and chassis to computers in the pit
garage so that engineers can monitor that car's behaviour.

Torque

Literally, the turning or twisting force of an engine, torque is generally used as a

measure of an engine's flexibility. An engine may be very powerful, but if it has little
torque then that power may only be available over a limited rev range, making it of
limited use to the driver. An engine with more torque - even if it has less power - may
actually prove quicker on many tracks, as the power is available over a far wider rev
range and hence more accessible. Good torque is particularly vital on circuits with a
number of mid- to slow-speed turns, where acceleration out of the corners is essential
to a good lap time.
Traction

The degree to which a car is able to transfer its power onto the track surface for
forward progress.

Traction control

A computerised system that detects if either of a car's driven (rear) wheels is losing
traction - ie spinning - and transfers more drive to the wheel with more traction, thus
using its more power efficiently. Outlawed from the 2008 season onwards.

Tub

Another name for the chassis or monocoque, so called because of its shape.

Turbulence

The result of the disruption of airflow caused by an interruption to its passage, such
as when it hits a rear wing and its horizontal flow is spoiled.

Turbocharger

Attached to the engine, a turbocharger uses an exhaust driven turbine to drive a

compressor to increase the density of the intake air consumed by the engine. Denser
air helps an engine create more power for its size. The residual heat energy
contained in the exhaust gases after expansion in the cylinders of the engine is
converted to mechanical shaft power by the exhaust turbine. The mechanical power
from the turbine is used to drive not only the compressor, but also the MGU-H (see
ERS).

Tyre compound

The type of rubber mix used in the construction of a tyre, ranging from soft through
medium to hard, with each offering a different performance and wear characteristic.

Tyre warmer

An electric blanket that is wrapped around the tyres before they are fitted to the car
so that they will start closer to their optimum operating temperature.

Understeer
Where the front end of the car doesn't want to turn into a corner and slides wide as
the driver tries to turn in towards the apex.

Undertray

A separate floor to the car that is bolted onto the underside of the monocoque.

Visor strip

The strip of carbon fibre-reinforced Zylon that is fitted to the top edge of a driver's
helmet for added protection.

Wheelbase

The distance between the centre points of the front and rear wheels. An F1 car's
wheelbase influences the way it handles.

Yaw

A term used to describe the movement of an F1 car around an imaginary vertical axis
through the centre of the car. Often talked about in conjunction with pitch (movement
around an imaginary horizontal axis across the centre of the car) and roll (movement
through an imaginary longitudinal axis along the car's centreline).

Zylon

A synthetic material often found in bulletproof vests which has strong anti-penetration
properties and is used to strengthen drivers' helmets and the sides of the cockpit.