Fading Technical term for the gradual loss of the brake effect after relatively long, heavy use. Occurs less with the modern carbon brakes than in conventional steel disc brakes. Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) The FIA draws up the technical and racing regulations for Formula 1 and was founded in 1904. The FIA is based in Geneva and the current president is Max Mosley.  Fire ExtinguisherEvery Formula 1 car must have a fire extinguisher that spreads foam around the chassis and engine area. It must be operable both by the driver and from outside the car. Flags Flag signals, used to communicate messages to the drivers on the track, were introduced in 1963. Nowadays, the system is supported by a display in the cockpit, known as the GPS marshalling system, which lights up with the relevant flag colour as the driver passes the affected section of track. For the Singapore Grand Prix the traditional flag system was supplemented by a series of electronic light panels. See also Black Flag, Black Flag with Orange Circle, Blue Flag, Chequered Flag, Green Flag, Half Black, Half White Flag, Yellow and Red Striped Flag, Red Flag, Yellow Flag, White Flag  Flat Spot Term given to the area of a tyre that is worn heavily on one spot after a moment of extreme braking or in the course of a spin. This ruins its handling, often causing severe vibration, and may force a driver to pit for a replacement set of tyres. Footprint The contact area between the tyre and the track surface. Formation Lap The lap before the start of the race when the cars are driven round from the grid to form up on the grid again for the start of the race. Sometimes referred to as the warm-up lap or parade lap. Formula 1 The term 'Formula 1' was not introduced until after the Second World War. It was intended to identify top class motor racing. The first Formula 1 World Championship took place in 1950 under the direction of the FIA. The first race in the World Championship was the British Grand Prix on May 13th, 1950. Formula 1 Commission This commission consists of representatives from the teams, race organisers, engine manufacturers, sponsors, tyre manufacturers and of course the FIA. The commission decides whether changes to the regulations suggested by the FIA’s technical committee should be implemented. Formula One Group The Formula One Group is a group of companies responsible for the promotion of the Formula One World Championship and consists of Formula One Management (FOM), Formula One Administration (FOA) and Formula One Licensing BV, which are subsidiaries of the Formula One Holdings (FOH) holding company headed by Bernie Ecclestone. Formula One Teams Association (FOTA) FOTA is a group of Formula One teams formed in July 2008. All current teams are members and was formed with the objective of presenting a united voice in their ongoing discussions with the FIA and the Formula One Group regarding the future of Formula 1. Four Wheel Drive No more than a two wheel drive is permitted in Formula 1; four wheel drives have been prohibited since 1971. Free Practice During these practice sessions before a Grand Prix, the lap times are recorded, but they have no influence on the starting order or the result. The teams use them as an opportunity to set their cars up for the respective track and to choose the right tyres.  Front WingCreates downward pressure on the front area of the Formula 1 car and is thus an important part of the aerodynamics. Details of the front wing sometimes change for every new race – according to how much downward pressure is required for the respective circuits. Apart from that, the drivers make adjustments to the front wing during set up, mainly modifying the angle of the second flap. Fuel Super unleaded fuel is used in Formula 1. Its composition must meet FIA regulations. It conforms to the strictest EU exhaust standards. Random tests at each race ensure conformity with the rules. From the 2008 season onwards 5.75 percent of the petrol must originate from biological sources. Each team can choose its supplier freely, but it must submit a sample of the fuel used to the FIA before the season for test purposes. Fuel Cell See Fuel Tank.  |