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Brembo brakes have been stopping cars in 800 F1 races

At the 2021 Russian F1 Grand Prix over the weekend, brake manufacturer Brembo celebrated a historic milestone of its vital components having a presence for the 800^th Formula 1 race. This milestone comes after 46 years when the company supplied a small number of cast iron discs to Scuderia Ferrari in 1975. At that time, Brembo, which had been founded in 1961, was still a small machine shop but it would grow and remain a supplier to the sportscar maker till today.

Brake supplier for almost all F1 teams
Over the decades, Brembo has supplied brake systems to almost every F1 team, from the most prestigious to the smallest. Initially, these were standardized parts but over time, the solutions have become increasingly customized to suit the design characteristics of the different single-seaters as they evolved (especially with regulation changes). Indeed, co-design activity today involves practically all components destined for the F1 customers, from the brake calipers to the Brake-by Wire (BBW) systems, resulting in very geometrically diverse products.

Brembo has long been well known for innovations in its field. For example, in 1982, it created the first radial mount brake caliper. In 1988, when it introduced the first monobloc caliper to racing, making a caliper from a single block of aluminium seemed like a feat verging on science fiction.

However, Brembo’s engineers managed to create the program and the tooling for the internal machining operations. The result helped write the history of motoring, initially only for competition cars, but later also transferred to road cars.

The wire technology for brake systems – referred to as ‘brake-by-wire – was first used in Formula 1 cars (above) and then appeared in production cars. The Toyota Estima Hybrid (below) launched in 2001 had an Electronically Controlled Brake (ECB) system which is believed to be the first brake-by-wire system installed in a production model.

From discs to whole systems
After starting with brake discs (first cast iron and then carbonfibre), Brembo began to supply other related components – calipers, pads, disc housings, brake master cylinders and the development of complex braking systems. These include by wire technology, the electronically-controlled braking system that has been used for rear braking systems of F1 cars since 2014. Like many other technologies which originated in racing cars, wire technology is today available in many cars sold to the public.

During the 800 Grands Prix, cars equipped with Brembo brakes have driven on 56 tracks worldwide, most of them in Europe. However, the number of Asian events has increased since the 1990s, having first appeared on the calendar in 1976.

*Whether a race was long or short (as in the 3-lap ‘race’ of the 2021 Belgian GP recently), the brakes supplied by Brembo have still had an important role.*

Stopping power needed, whatever the race
No two races are ever identical in course, weather conditions and competitors (constructors and drivers). The longest was the 1975 Swedish GP, a 321.44-km race won by Niki Lauda won with the Ferrari 312T. Last month’s Belgian GP was the shortest – just 3 official laps that were run behind the Safety Car due to the heavy rain. However, the next shortest was the 1991 Australian Grand Prix and there was actually some racing over the 52.92 kms.

Not every car used Brembo’s brakes but of the 800 races, 455 of them were won by cars with their brakes. The driver who won the most number of times in cars with Brembo brakes is Michael Schumacher – 91 times out of the 307 races he entered. All 7 of his world titles were won in cars that had Brembo brakes.

Is the Monaco Circuit the hardest on brakes in the F1 championship? (w/VIDEO)

Ferrari Portofino M launched in Malaysia, priced from RM998,000

It was in September 2017 that Ferrari launched the Portofino and by May 2018, the first units arrived in the showrooms of Naza Italia in Malaysia. 39 months later comes the evolution version – the Portofino M. The car was unveiled in September last year and like many new models during the period of the COVID-19 pandemic, Ferrari unveiled it to the world online. It was the first Ferrari to be launched following the carmaker’s temporary closure due to the pandemic.

“The ongoing challenges and restrictions our nation has been experiencing made delays of launch plans inevitable, so we are thrilled to now have the opportunity to introduce the Ferrari Portofino M to the local market and have it join Ferrari Malaysia’s stable of Prancing Horses. Our clients have already shown keen interest in this versatile model and have been waiting in anticipation for the perfect evolution of the Portofino, which holds the promise of 2+ GT spider excellence with distinct progressions in character, design, performance and everyday adaptability,” said Dato’ Nik Hamdam Nik Hassan, Group CEO, Automotive Group, Naza Corporation Holdings Sdn Bhd.

Evolution of the Portofino
Priced from RM998,000 (excluding taxes and insurance), it is around RM50,000 more than the asking price with the original model in 2018. For that extra money, the Portofino M offers that increased levels of performance expected of an evolution version. The ‘M’ refers to ‘Modificata’, which at Ferrari refers to cars that have undergone an evolution that has significantly boosted their performance.

Design-wise, the original styling is maintained with the grille having new aluminium slats with contrasting faceted tips. The new features are aimed at improved aerodynamic performance. At the rear, the new exhaust system has allowed the removal of the silencer assembly, making the Portofino M’s tail more compact. The result is that the rear bumpers are now more streamlined and sculptural. Visually, their forms are lighter too and their styling more in harmony with the front bumpers, creating a much more coherent overall aesthetic. The rear diffuser has been completely redesigned and is now separate to the bumpers. This allows customers to be able to specify it in carbonfibre, if they wish.

Redesigned award-winning engine
In the technical department, the most notable upgrade is the redesigned powertrain. The new 3855 cc engine can be considered an award-winner as it belongs to the same V8 engine family that was voted ‘International Engine of the Year’ in 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019. The powerplant produces up to about 620 ps at 7,500 rpm, 20 ps more than the Portofino. To achieve this higher output, the cam profiles were revised, increasing valve lift to optimise combustion chamber filling.

At the same time, a speed sensor was added to the turbocharger assembly. This measures the turbine speed accurately which allows the maximum rpm of the turbine to be increased by 5,000 rpm without risk of damage. Variable Boost Management, a control software developed by Ferrari, adjusts torque delivery to suit the gear selected. The result is increasingly powerful pick-up as revs rise, whilst optimising fuel consumption. The amount of torque delivered progressively increases all the way up to 760 Nm in 7th and 8th gears.

New 8-speed gearbox
The 8-speed gearbox is completely new and differs from the 7-speed unit used before, with a dual-clutch oil bath architecture. It also differs from the SF90 Stradale’s 8-speed transmission in gear ratios and uses a mechanical reverse gear. The new layout and integration of its components have revised the gearbox’s size, installation in the car. This has allowed the use of longer gear ratios in the higher gears, which helps keep fuel consumption and emissions down. On the other, adopting a steeper torque curve through the rev range in the lower gears makes for a feeling of smooth and powerful pick-up.

By tradition, every single Ferrari engine has its own particular soundtrack that makes it unique, and the Portofino M is no exception. The two rear silencers have been eliminated (which, in addition to boosting sound, also significantly reduces back-pressure in the tailpipes) and the by-pass valves are now oval in shape to enhance the exhaust sound.

The vehicle dynamics control system that allows the driver to push the car safely to the edge of its performance envelope is known as Side Slip Control (SSC). Now in its sixth generation, the SSC integrates the E-Diff, F1-TCS, SCM-E Frs and the Ferrari Dynamic Enhancer (FDE) control systems. The FDE is a lateral dynamics control system that uses Ferrari software to adjust the hydraulic brake pressure at the callipers on all four wheels. On the Portofino M, it is available only when the Manettino is in Race mode. The FDE is designed to make the car’s lateral dynamics more predictable both through and exiting corners by ensuring the steering wheel and throttle are more intuitive for the driver to use. The aim of the five-position Manettino, a first on a Ferrari GT spider, is to make the handling and grip even more accessible by extending the setting ranges still further with the introduction of the Race position.

Inside the Portofino M
With the top down, the Portofino M reveals a multi-level dashboard structure comprising an upper half and then an intermediate gap designed to lighten the perceived mass of the lower half. This approach allowed the designers to organise the technical elements and in-car devices to very rational effect while simultaneously defining a signature full-width architecture. A central horizontal aluminium blade divides the instrument panel, air conditioning vents and passenger display into separate areas in the upper section. The other control functions are located in the scooped section below, with a large 10.25-inch touchscreen at the centre.

Seen from above, the cockpit’s symmetrical arrangement and the generous rear seat space are clear. From a construction perspective, the interior – and the dashboard architecture, in particular – feature two shells incorporating all of the technical components and a bridge that visually connects the instrument panel area with the central tunnel. The ventilated seats are the product of a special research project and have an innovative magnesium structure. Different density padding and an ultra-compact seatback profile have freed up space for rear occupants too.

The Portofino M’s HMI (Human-Machine Interface) centres on a digital cluster with dual TFT displays arranged around the analogue tachometer in a circular, anti-glare binnacle. Located on exactly the same axis as the multifunctional steering wheel, this cluster allows the driver to interact more easily and intuitively, both visually and physically, with the car by delivering optimal driving feedback.

The passenger has an optional dedicated capacitive display on the dashboard too. It is directly linked to the main screen providing all information relating to car speed, rpm and gear engaged. This 7-inch colour full HD and Full Touch display also allows the passenger to interact with the car’s on-board systems. It is thus possible for the passenger to becomes a participative co-driver.

7-year factory-formulated maintenance programme
As the official representative of Ferrari in Malaysia, Naza Italia offers an extended 7-year maintenance programme with the Portofino M. This is an exclusive factory-formulated programme (also available to owners of pre-owned Ferraris) with scheduled intervals of either 20,000 kms or once a year with no mileage restrictions.

2021 Ferrari 488 GT Modificata (w/VIDEO)

F1/Round 15: Highlights & Provisional Results For 2021 Russian Grand Prix

Max Verstappen had to start from the back as he took a penalty, and while going on the formation lap, he had a battery problem and was concerned he might not be able to start. However, by the time he reached the starting grid, it seemed to go away.

Lewis Hamilton, starting from a few places back, was crowded as he moved forward and without room to manoeuvre, he very quickly slipped to seventh. Perhaps he was being more cautious to avoid any more unnecessary incidents…

McLaren’s Lando Norris, who had pole position, had a clean start but before Trun 2, Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz had managed to catch up and slipped past to take the lead from the British driver.

The two Scuderia AlphaTauris had a poor start, dropping backwards in the field. Verstappen meanwhile was steadily slicing through traffic and moving upwards. By Lap 6, he was 14th after passing Valtteri Bottas and 18 seconds behind the leader, while his team mate was up in seventh.

Up front on lap 10, Norris was narrowing the gap to Sainz and staying in his mirrors. 7 seconds behind, Williams George Russell was watching Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll who was just a second behind.

After lap 12, the drivers started to report their tyres going or gone, and visits to the pits started with Stroll being the first to do so on lap 13. Fortunately, the rain that had been expected did not arrive. Sainz came in on lap 15 and Norris, in spite of worn tyres, took over the lead.

By lap 17, Verstappen was up to sixth and just 3 places and 7 seconds ahead was his arch-rival, Hamilton. The Dutchman was pushing hard and clocking about a second quicker than the other drivers ahead of him. Alpine’s Fernando Alonso was next to pass and that might require a bit more effort and then he would be behind his team mate.

Rain began to fall on lap 22 and drivers who had tried their best to stretch their tyres had to start coming in. The positions began to change and though Hamilton had moved into second, he was still 12 seconds behind the leader.

On lap 24, Verstappen again reported problems, this time that he was having difficulty turning the car. His pit stop had dropped him to 12 place when he rejoined but he was trying to move back up. Hamilton had dropped to ninth and was also not bothering about the Dutchman and just wanting to get to the front.

After most of the other drivers had changed tyres, the order had also changed with Perez in the lead on lap 34 and Alonso behind him, both still staying out. Norris, Leclerc and Hamilton were within reach of each other so the battle was on to try to secure third place but Toto Wolff was urging his driver to go for a win.

As both Perez and Alonso came in on lap 37, Norris got back his lead, with Hamilton 4 seconds behind and Alonso having dropped out for a tyre change. Behind Hamilton was Sainz, a long way away with a 22-second gap.

With 10 laps remaining of the 53-lap race, Sainz was battling to hold on to this third place while McLaren’s Danial Ricciardokept trying to displace him and Perez was waiting for the two to make a mistake that he could gain from.

8 laps from the finish, the rain started to get heavy. Though Hamilton has no problem with wet tracks, he was not finding it easy to close in on Norris who was out to collect his first-ever F1 win.

The rain caused enough concern that teams called their drivers in. The track seemed to be getting slippery and Norris was seen to be running wide in corners a few times, with Hamilton getting closer each time. Hamilton was asked to come in but he chose to ignore the call. He was probably determined to be the one to take the chequered flag but Norris too was determined so both drivers stayed out. The British driver was heard to tell his engineer to ‘shut up’ when a warning came over the radio about cars ahead sliding.

Finally it happened – on lap 52, Norris went very wide and off, and Hamilton was ready to shoot by. The McLaren driver recovered and slotted into second place quickly though the next car (Perez) was 49 seconds away. The slide made Norris lose his spirit a bit and he decided he had to come in. As Perez dropped off for tyres, Verstappen suddenly found himself in second place but way behind Hamilton.

With just one lap left, it was to be Hamilton’s win in Sochi – finally reaching his 100th F1 win. Verstappen had done well to come up all the way from the back to finish second while Bottas was able to hold on to his fifth place till the end.

R RYZR concept is a driving machine you ‘wear’

SAIC DESIGN London, an advanced design studio set up by China’s SAIC Group in England, celebrates its third year of operation this year. Earlier, it presented the MG MAZE Concept, one of two concept studies it developed to celebrate its 3-year milestone.

The second concept is more radical in appearance and is described as ‘a vision of future mobility that explores the boundaries between urban mobility and wearable technology’. Called the R RYZR, it is a fusion between a car and a motorcycle and is the ultimate symbiosis of man and machine. It is a car that you actually wear and enjoy the exhilarating feel of riding.

Designed to recognise the shift away from crowded public transport and the need for more instinctive experiences, it can offer the occupant an escape from crowded spaces by combining cutting-edge technical apparel and augmented reality.

‘R’ is the brand that SAIC is using for its future EVs so while the technical aspects are not provided, it would certainly be electrically powered, giving very zippy performance. The structure is also light and much like a frame surrounding the driver.

“R RYZR is an exciting and visceral vision of the future of urban travel,” said Carl Gotham, Advanced Design Director. “By exploring the unconventional, it unlocks new modes of transports for the future, new experiences and new emotions.”

The concept is designed to achieve the ultimate ease of use – motorcycle agility with car-like stability, while the RYZR clothing concept means no need for an app or a key – the vehicle simply recognises the owner’s jacket instead.

“R RYZR is a useful, agile, practical, and exciting form of urban transport,” added Gotham. “It combines the aesthetic of cutting-edge technical apparel and augmented reality with futurism. It’s an exploration of unconventional mode of transports for the future – new architectures, new experiences and new emotions.”

The MG MAZE is certainly not the sort of MG your grandfather knew

Original 1994 Subaru Prodrive 555 Group A Impreza found and auctioned in Australia

A rare Subaru Prodrive 555 Group A Impreza GC8 47D is currently being auctioned in Australia by Lloyds Auctions. The car was used by Colin McRae as well as Carlos Sainz in the World Rally Championship (WRC) is unrestored and in untouched condition from when it was retired in 1996.

This rallycar, developed in 1993, is a significant model in WRC history and was the first car to use the famous L555REP numberplates, celebrating Repsol’s sponsorship with Carlos Sainz and Subaru. It won 3rd place in the 1994 Monte Carlo Rally with Sainz at the wheel.

The Subaru is authenticated original by ICAAARS and Possum Bourne Motor Sport (PBMS) and has been in storage with only 3 owners since it was raced. It still has the original Prodrive 2-litre turbocharged boxer engine and 6-speed manual gearbox.

*The Subaru rallycar in action during the 1995 World Rally Championship.*

“When we originally saw this car, it was a barn find with an estimated value of A$15,000 – $20,000 (about RM45,600 – RM61,000). Today it’s had a wash and a check of its history, and it may well be worth more than A$1 million (about RM3.041 million),” said Lee Hames, Chief Operating Officer for Lloyds Auctions. The current bid for the car is A$255,000 (about RM775,600).

2022 Subaru WRX starts fifth generation of rally-bred icon

F1/Round 15: Preview & Starting Grid For 2021 Russian Grand Prix

Race starts at 3 pm in Russia/8 pm in Malaysia

The 2021 Formula 1 World Championship takes off again after the summer break as Round 15 is run this weekend in Russia. Once again held at the Sochi Autodrome, it will be the eighth time that Russia has had a Formula 1 Grand Prix.

It’s quite a sprawling venue as the 5.8-km circuit is situated within the complex that was used for the 2014 Winter Olympics. The track is quite flat, with two long straights and a long sweep through Turn 3. However, it is largely defined by a number of tight 90-degree corners which are taken at medium speeds.

GP RUSSIA F1/2021 – VENERDI 24/09/2021 –
credit: @Scuderia Ferrari Press Office

Balancing act in set-up
The contrast between the high-speed sections and the slower sequences means set-up is a balancing act between top speed and good grip/traction out of the tighter corners. Teams tend to run medium to low downforce for the long straights, which places the emphasis on mechanical grip from the tyres.

The track is not used a lot during the season, so it’s often particularly ‘green’ and slippery towards the start of the weekend. This can sometimes cause the tyres to slide rather than grip, especially during Friday’s free practice sessions but, as was the case last year, graining usually reduces a lot between free practice and the race due to track evolution.

Same tyre selection as 2020
For the first time since Austria, Pirelli is bringing the 3 softest compounds in the range for the Russian Grand Prix. This is the same selection that was offered last year when the event was held at a similar time of year. The weather is usually mild but there has been rain during the week which forced the organisers to reschedule supporting events. Although the final price session was cancelled, qualifying was able to be completed.

Mercedes-AMG stronghold
Since the first Russian GP in 2014, it has always been a Mercedes-AMG crossing the finish line first. The team’s 7 wins at Sochi are a record for consecutive wins at a single event. While the Mercedes-AMG team is ahead of Red Bull Racing by 18 points, thanks to Valtteri Bottas getting onto the podium when his team mate crashed out, Max Verstappen has a 5-point lead over Lewis Hamilton. The reigning World Champion will certainly want to close that gap and has the advantage that the Red Bull driver’s carry-over penalty puts his starting position at the back of the grid.

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