USF1 Electrical Wiring System Video

The USF1 website is just awesome. I’ve mentioned it before, but I have to again. Formula 1 is a sport that is so competitive that many of the teams try and keep everything they do a secret. It’s nice to know that USF1 is willing to put out alot of great information about the development of their car. On the opposite end, Ferrari is the most secretive team. Yes it probably helps them and may be one of the reasons they are successful (the main reason being that they are one of the richest teams), but for the fans I don’t think it’s right. I’m not a fan of Ferrari F1.

On the other hand, Red Bull Racing has been very good about showing and educating fans about the sport and the design of their cars. That’s what makes me a fan of their team. Well, I’m a fan of Sebastian Vettel also because he brings enthusiasm to the sport. Their Red Bull F1 website is also informative. If you think they’re losing their competitive edge by giving away their secrets, they’re not. They still came in second place last year! The guys at Speed Channel, including Peter Windsor of the US F1 team, went out of their way to praise this aspect of their team. So it’s no surprise that US F1 has been equally cooperative. Because of this, I’m not just a fan of them because they represent the US. I suggest you support them too!

Case in point, check out their video on the Electrical Wiring System of their F1 car. As a wiring system engineer, this video they posted is right up my alley. What a fun and interesting job it would be to do wiring on an F1 car! There are many electronic systems on an F1 car to keep busy.

Just one look at the steering wheel of a typical F1 car and you can see how complicated and important the wiring must be.

2009 Formula 1 Season Finish

If you’re an engineer and love cars, then there is no reason not to love Formula 1 racing, the highest form of motorsport. Formula 1 has the fastest and most technically advanced cars. Plus the glamour of the sport gives the geeky engineers a chance to hang with some gorgeous people!

Pictured above is a beautiful shot from www.f1fanatic.co.uk at the inaugural Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at the brand new Yas Marina circuit. It was the last race of what was a fun 2009 Formula 1 season. It will be a season known as the season of underdogs. The usual top teams of Ferrari and McLaren-Mercedes played catchup all season while the young Brawn GP and Red Bull Racing were fighting at the top for the champtionship. In the end, the World Champion driver and the World Manufacturer’s champion were both first time winners. British driver Jenson Button finally won the World Championship after 10 years in the sport. And Brawn GP won the Manufacturer’s championship even though the team almost didn’t have a spot at the beginning of the season. Congrats to them on a wonderful season!

I was pulling for Sebastian Vettel and Red Bull Racing to win it all, but they came up short. However, Vettel was able to be the first winner of the inauguaral Abu Dhabi Grand Prix so I’m happy for that. I’m looking forward to them competing for the championship next year in 2010! But I am also gonna be pulling for the brand new United States Formula 1 team! 2010 is going to be such an exciting year with new rules and the new US team. Peter Windsor is one of the new team principals and with the job he did with SpeedTV covering Formula 1 it’s hard not to root for him! Check out their website at www.usgpe.com.

So for 2010 I’ll be rooting for USF1 and RBR. Can’t wait!