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Formula One - The Ultimate in Speed

© Anand Janefalkar

Speed is what mankind has always strived for. Speed can, in a way, be termed as a measure of enhancement of a product. In almost all fields, R&D departments strive to make their product ultimate in speed and efficiency. We have already made it up the ladder of success in microprocessors, communications, engines, etc. But one place which represents speed and accuracy is racing and standing on the apex of racing is the category - Formula One.

For beginners, Formula One is the fastest form of racing. It is a sport which is percieved as the most progressive in terms of speed, thrill, accuracy and at the same time, safety. It represents the ultimate one can expect from an engine and a person behind the wheel of a 800 horsepower engine, driving the vehicle to its very limit. Internationally, it is passionately followed as a sport of high speed drama and excitement.

There are 11 teams and each team has 2 drivers. So it makes 22 drivers on the track, generally called the grid. They compete with each other at an average speed of 200 miles/hour to reach the chequered flag, the finish line. Drivers judge the exact speed of turning in a matter of milliseconds and that too at mind blowing speed. But this is just on the track. Behind this lies the efforts of superior engine specialists who design the 800 horse power engine with minute specifications to get the maximum out of the ultimate machine. To give you an example of the unmatched efficiency of these engines, consider the time taken by you to shift a gear in your car. It normally takes a second or a couple of seconds. In the Formula One engine, this gear shift time is reduced to microseconds. Also the cars can accelerate to 150 miles an hour in 4 to 5 seconds.

Many teams and drivers have earned a name for themselves down the years on this superhighway. Some legends are, Alan Prost, the driver who has till date won the maximum races, Aryton Senna, the most impressive and aggressive on the track till now and who unfortunately died in a race. As on today, we can see two legends in the making - Michael Schumacher from Ferrari and Mika Hakkinen from Mclaren-Mercedes. Their battle on the track is a feast for your eyes and mind. These legendary teams have produced exceptionally efficient cars while their drivers have overwhelmed fans with their unparallel control and manouevering

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