17 replies to this topic

[Tsarwash]

Gary Anderson in this BBC feature reiterated the idea that F1 cars can theoretically drive upside down on the ceiling, but of course this would have to be at a certain speed to achieve the downforce upforce? necessary. I am just wondering peoples thoughts about what the minimum speed would be. If we find an answer I might use it for the next pub quiz bonus question. 

 

http://www.bbc.co.uk...rmula1/24772746

 

[undersquare]

The tricky bit is getting a big surplus of 'lift' to have enough traction to maintain the speed to have enough lift....

[Baddoer]

But will it blend?

[Andrew Hope]

The most common figure I've heard for this idea is around 120mph.

[gm914]

Only one man knows for sure. 

[f1RacingForever]

about 36.4928 miles per hour. Give or take

[George Costanza]

120-180 MPH. That's the common figure I believe.

[billm99uk]

120-180 MPH. That's the common figure I believe.

120 for the Red Bull and 180 for Marussia, I take it?

[ElDictatore]

rough estimates are around 200-220 kph i believe.

Fun fact, I recall someone commenting on this that the engine wouldn't work properly and eventually brake if you would try it.

[exogenesis1203]

rough estimates are around 200-220 kph i believe.

Fun fact, I recall someone commenting on this that the engine wouldn't work properly and eventually brake if you would try it.

That's because the car is not designed to work upside down. Gravity is gonna mess with the fuel, oil and all those other stuff inside the car. 

[sheogorath]

That's because the car is not designed to work upside down. Gravity is gonna mess with the fuel, oil and all those other stuff inside the car.

It'd probably work if you made it into a barrel roll type of track segment. Centrifugal force would keep everything in its place.

[RealRacing]

Tony Hawk did it on a skateboard...he must have been doing no more than 60 Kph.

[Afterburner]

I think Steve Matchett concluded it was around 70-80 mph in The Chariot Makers, but can't remember for sure.

Let's all send Red Bull e-mails to get them to do it as some 'extreme' PR under the guise of 'straight-line aero testing'.

[DanardiF1]

Vettel's Red Bull sticks at 10mph... Webber's has to get to 120mph.

[Diablobb81]

Ask Mark. He has experience in multiple series.

[PayasYouRace]

I wonder if the BT46 could do it at 0 mph? Don't switch the engine off though 

[DanardiF1]

I would like to see it tried, but somehow doubt that even a howling Alfa flat-12 could hold up a 500kg F1 car with just the floor area to suck it up.

[zepunishment]

I think Steve Matchett concluded it was around 70-80 mph in The Chariot Makers, but can't remember for sure.

Let's all send Red Bull e-mails to get them to do it as some 'extreme' PR under the guise of 'straight-line aero testing'.

This is actually a very good idea. It's a fact that's been banded about for so long it's about time someone went and did it!