Lotus Renault F1 car

The F1 roadshow has rolled into Budapest. It's pretty good, the cars and teams are pretty accessible. I was lucky enough to get close to the Lotus Renault of KIMI RÄIKKÖNEN, being an Engineer I love the technical side and the hunt for the extra second. Here's some of the more technical data of the car

CHASSIS
Moulded carbon fibre and aluminium honeycomb composite monocoque, manufactured by Lotus F1 Team and designed for maximum strength with minimum weight. RS27-2012 V8 engine installed as a fully-stressed member.

FRONT SUSPENSION
Carbon fibre top and bottom wishbones operate an inboard rocker via a pushrod system. This is connected to a torsion bar and damper units which are mounted inside the front of the monocoque. Aluminium uprights and OZ machined magnesium wheels.

REAR SUSPENSION
Carbon fibre top and bottom wishbones with pull rod operated torsion springs and transverse-mounted damper units mounted in the top of the gearbox casing. Aluminium uprights and OZ machined magnesium wheels.

TRANSMISSION
Seven-speed semi-automatic titanium gearbox with reverse gear. "Quickshift" system in operation to maximise speed of gearshifts.

FUEL SYSTEM
Kevlar-reinforced rubber fuel cell by ATL.

COOLING SYSTEM
Separate oil and water radiators located in the car's sidepods and cooled using airflow from the car's forward motion.

ELECTRICAL
MES-Microsoft Standard Electronic Control Unit. braKiNg system
Carbon discs and pads. Calipers by AP Racing. Master cylinders by AP racing and Brembo.

COCKPIT
Removable driver's seat made of anatomically formed carbon composite, with six-point or eight-point harness seat belt by OMP Racing. Steering wheel integrates gear change, clutch paddles, and rear wing adjuster.

KERS
Motor generator unit driving into front of engine with batteries as an energy store. Motor Generator supplied by Renault Sport F1. Electronic control unit by Magneti-Marelli.