carimmohelp: F1 like chess, says Rosberg

вторник, 1 ноября 2011 г.

F1 like chess, says Rosberg

Updated: 08:11, Wednesday November 2, 2011

F1 like chess, says Rosberg

Mercedes GP driver Nico Rosberg has likened Formula One to chess, saying that race strategy is the key to success in the sport.

Speaking alongside Mercedes’ chief strategist James Vowles, Rosberg provided insight on the behind-the-scenes work conducted by F1 teams, which he says can make all the difference in a sport where fractions of seconds are vital.

‘Sometimes during Formula One races there can be long periods where there is just little track action and no overtaking. In those times the race strategy can just be absolutely crucial,’ Rosberg said.

‘Mainly the strategy is decided by the team because they just have a much better overview of the whole situation on the television on their computers.’

‘It’s a bit like playing chess. It’s a group of clever people in our team against a group of clever people in the other team and you just always want to be a few steps ahead of them to be able to beat them. ‘

Vowles elaborated on the role engineering plays in shaping a team’s approach to different races.

‘Strategy is the understanding of the fuel that’s in the car, the tyres and how they’re working, the track,’ Vowles said.

‘The track is never static, it’s always changing and it’s always dynamic in terms of the grip that is giving you, as is the performance of the tyres and how it is working.’

‘Putting that all together, we use a number of complex simulations or computer systems that work with us during the race but ultimately it’s human decision at the end and it has to be. ‘

‘It’s all about psychologically having an upper edge against your rivals.’