F1 jargon-buster

Date published : 13 Mar 2013 - 09:34:39

KERS, drag-reduction, downforce, flags -- black and red, tyres -- soft and supersoft. Confused? No need to be with AFP's Formula One jargon-buster...

Apex

- the part of a corner where the racing line is nearest the inside of the bend

Clean air

- Air that has not been affected by turbulence from other cars.

Dirty air

- Air disrupted by a car when it moves at speed, which can cause aerodynamic difficulties for a car following closely behind.

Downforce

- Increased force holding the car onto the track, with aerodynamics creating an area of low pressure under the car and higher pressure above forcing the tyres harder to the ground.

Drag Reduction System

- Drag Reduction System (DRS) is an overtaking aid where the angle of the rear wing flaps is altered to reduce drag. In 2013, drivers are only able to utilise the DRS within the designated DRS zones during practice and qualifying. In a race they may only activate it when they are within one second of the car in front at the DRS detection point. DRS is disabled when the driver uses the brakes after activation.

Flat spot

- When a wheel locks under braking, the car skids and leaves a flat spot on the section of the tyre that was touching the ground at the time.

KERS

- Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS) recovers energy created when brakes are applied and stores it until required to add power in the engine.