Damper Often referred to as a "shock absorber" they control the spring oscillations of the suspension system. The spring absorbs the energy of the impact, whilst the damper releases the energy, in the form of heat, to prevent an oscillating force from building up. Differential A set of mechanical gears that equalises the power between the left and right drive wheels, particularly to compensate the speed differences between the outer and inner wheels when cornering.  DiffuserThe rear section of the car's floor or undertray where the air flowing under the car exits. Rising to the rear, the design of the diffuser is crucial as it controls the speed at which the air exits. The faster air exits, the lower the air pressure beneath the car, and hence the more downforce the car generates. Displacement The sum of the volume of the cylinders of the engine. The displacement of a Formula One engine is currently limited to 2.4 litres, equally divided between 8 cylinders. Dive Rotation of the chassis around the lateral axis under braking, resulting in the nose of the car dropping and the rear rising. The opposite of Squat.  DownforceDownforce is what presses Formula 1 cars down onto the ground. It is generated by low pressure conditions under the body of the car as well as by the angle of attack of the front and rear wings, and enhances the grip. Especially on slower circuits, this effect permits higher cornering speeds. Double Diffuser, Double-Deck Diffuser or Two-Tier Diffuser The Double-Decker Diffuser exploits a loophole in the regulations aimed at limiting diffuser size by adding a second diffuser deck above. Drag The aerodynamic resistance experienced as a car travels forwards. Drive Through Penalty A penalty applied to a driver during a race, often for an offence such as passing under yellow flags. Drivers must enter the pit lane, drive through it complying with the speed limit, and re-join the race without stopping. Once a driver's team has been informed by the racing commissioners, the driver may not cross the start-finish line more than twice before entering the pitlane. If the penalty is awarded in the last 5 laps or after the race, a Time Penalty of 20 seconds will be applied to the driver's final time instead. See also Stop-Go Penalty. Driver Briefing A meeting with the drivers and representatives from their teams convened by the race director before every grand prix. The discussions focus on current issues such as special features of the respective track or changes to the rules or weekend format. Dry Sump A lubrication system in which the engine's supply of oil is pumped to the engine from a separate vessel. This allows the the engine to be installed lower in the chassis lowering the centre of gravity. It also eliminates the problem of oil starvation which conventional systems would suffer when subjected to the extreme acceleration, braking, and cornering forces of a Formula 1 car.  |