Marbles Small bits of rubber that wear off the tyres and come to rest on the track, usually above or below the normal racing line. Manufacturers Any manufacturers wanting to enter the Formula 1 must prove to the FIA that they have designed and built the chassis of their racing cars. They are also obliged to compete in all the races in a particular season and to prove that they possess the necessary technical and financial means. Marshals Officials posted along the side of the track. They wave the flag signals and secure any possible accident sites; they also rescue any cars that have broken down. Mechanical Grip Grip between tyres and the track provided entirely by the suspension and tyres. Medical car The car used by the official race doctor. Like the safety car, it is on standby at the exit of the pit lane during every practice session and race and is usually driven by Dr. Jacques Tropenat, a former driver in the Le Mans 24 Hours. There is also a second doctor and two assistants. Medical centre Every Formula 1 race and test circuit must have a state-of-the-art emergency service facility staffed by experienced doctors. A rescue helicopter always stand by ready for action. If it is not possible to guarantee this (under foggy conditions, for example), the race cannot go ahead. Monocoque French for single shell. The monocoque is the single-piece tub made of carbon-fibre composite in which the cockpit is located, with the engine fixed behind it and the front suspension on either side at the front. It forms a protective shell around the driver and is surrounded by deformable structures which absorb energy in an accident.  |