Lap One circuit around a race track.  LateralLateral means to the side, or side to side. The lateral axis is the axis drawn through the centre of the car across its width. Lateral Grip Grip produced during cornering. Launch Control An electronic program that performs a fully automated start for a Formula One car with the aim of achieving the best possible pickup and acceleration. The system is completely computer aided and the driver just has to press the accelerator. Currently banned along with traction control. Left-Foot Braking A style of braking made popular in the 1990s following the arrival of hand clutches so that drivers could keep their right foot on the throttle and dedicate their left to braking. Lock-up The moment when a tyre begins to skid during braking. A tyre's maximum braking force occurs when it is on the verge of lock-up. Logistics The tour of Formula 1 around the globe demands sophisticated logistics. For every race, around 120 crates of different sizes have to be packed, including two racing cars and spare chassis – plus spare parts and tools, wheels and the pit lane equipment. The luggage also includes five or six engines. Computers and laptops, around 100 radios and approximately 1,500 paper serviettes with the team logo are all part of the basic equipment of every team. All in all, the teams pack around 10,000 individual parts. Lollipop The signal pole used at pitstops. Typically the sign says "Gear" on one side and "Brake" on the other. During a pit stop, the chief mechanic posted in front of the car uses the sign to show the driver when he should apply the brake and when he should shift gear and drive off. Ferrari pioneered an alternative light system for pitstops which was abandoned during 2008 following an incident at the Singapore Grand Prix in which Felipe Massa drove off with the fuel hose still attached.  LongitudinalLongitudinal means from front to rear, or vice versa. The longitudinal axis is the axis drawn through the centre of the car from its front to rear. Longitudinal Grip Grip produced during accelerating or braking.  |