Automotive

PuristS drive actual Lotus F1 back up cars at Circuit Paul Ricard, Le Castellet, France - One of the most frequent questions or comments I get when talking about driving F1 cars as an amateur is, "Isn't it hard? TopGear made it seem like it is almost impo...  

Thomas, Is it the same for an all out race start too? Or is it just difficult to get it going slowly off the pits? Thanks. J.

Hi, J, I have to admit, I don't know for sure! As far as I know (and I don't know very much, I have to admit) there is in fact an "idle" for F1 cars that is supposed to be around 5000-6000 rpm, but it is lumpy and unstable. On the cars we drove (it was de... 

Very informative. Thanks.

driving. Cheers, TM

while also lifting foot half way on clutch as if you are trying to stay still on an extremely extremely vertical hill? - AT

the crew actually has to stick the starter motor through a hole behind the car. Imagine the exhaust blowing into your face when the engine turns over... TM