2013 marks the 18th installment of the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne, after Adelaide brought the race to Australia back in 1985. The race has surged and waned in recent times, as the global financial crisis took hold across the globe and wallets were opened less.
The biggest attraction of the race is the cars themselves, which follow a very fast evolutionary cycle after their release. Technologically, a lot of the focus has been on the Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS) that the teams employ, which generates extra power by using dynamic braking, not unlike a KB Electronics DC 4-Quadrant motor control
. For a really good explanation of what KERS is and how it is used in a Formula One racecar, check out this excellent article by Craig Scarborough.
Industrial technology in racing isn’t limited to the cars, however, as Bonfiglioli demonstrated with its C102 in-line helical gearbox, being used to start historic Ferrari Formula One engines. The C102 is hooked up straight to the engine drive shaft – with the ratio matched to the engine start speed. Actually, Bonfiglioli has more than a passing interest in Formula One, teaming up with the Minardi Team (now Toro Rosso) in supporting the Museum of Scientific and Technological Heritage.
Everyone at All Torque Transmissions is looking forward to March 14-17 and is proud of the way Formula One showcases this magnificent city.
