gato azul wrote:Tommy Cookers wrote:
ANSWER !
I think drivers change down sequentially because the rules were changed to force this (before KERS), this was to cut down on conspicuous involvement of software.
I would like to see, that rule you refereing to.
The main reason that they change down sequentially, lays in the layout/design of the gearbox/gear selection mechanism.
Ever since people stoped using H-pattern gear selectors, you will be hard pressed to "skip" a gear on downshift.
I don't think F1 rules, have ever mandated "sequential" gearboxes, it's just much easier to "automate/assist" an sequential g/box, than it is to do the same with an H-pattern shift.
(Subarus frist pedal shift in the Gr.A Legacy/Imprezzas,a.k.a. the "ghost box", would be the only one, which comes to my mind, when people "automated" an H-Pattern selector box.
There are may others, but I'm not aware of them in racing/rallying, BMW's first SMG would be a road car example).
Even in racing series, where there is no KERS, and no paddle shift (AGS), drivers racing sequential boxes, will still shift down in sequence, as you "can't skip a gear" with this boxes.
Having worked, in one of the few series, which until some years ago, still raced H-pattern g-boxes, I can tell you, that very few drivers, and only under some specific conditions, would change, let's say from 5th to 2nd, without "going through the box".
Most of the time, they would still downshift sequential, and make use of EB, to assist with decelleration/braking.
KERS would have nothing to do with it, as it is not used there.
Top drivers will use missed shifting (down) and short shifting (up) far more than the also rans.
With a layshaft fixed ratio gearbox even with button or paddle shift systems, it is possible to design the shift mechanism to allow shifts from any gear to any other gear when ever required.
Regulations are the main reason for sequential, although I discussed sequential with Garry Anderson for the Jordan F1 cars before anyone else did, because they could not afford a fully automatic gear system at the time and sequential MCycle was faster at the time and kept Jordan up to speed for less money. (ask Garry he is now on telly).
Jordan chose 7 ratios which became the regulated maximum number of gears allowed in F1.
Motorcycles were the only standard application before that and are still using a silly lever in a bowl of custard operated by the riders foot, in a similar obsolete way to a horse control system for a guy driving a chariot in Roman times.
Motorbikes are so out of date it is untrue.
Wiggling your ankle and leg when trying to control cornering lean, how silly can you get.
I offered Honda an alternative powertrain decades ago.
I think it is the hells angels emotional overview that keeps MC's in the stoneage.
Hairy bikers and all that.
KERS does not prevent missing gears in downshift sequence, in fact with a 'properly' (not F1) designed powertrain with energy recovery system, it is possible to idle the engine on overrun and provide both generator recovery/braking totally smoothly with no torque gaps and complete braking and diff control.
With sufficient energy storage and control and with front wheel generators added, it is possible to do away with conventional brakes all together,
This is where F1 should be, it should not be stagnant pandering to aero downforce.
), it is a good way to save fuel (energy) when high acceleration is not required or when the car is going down hill, for the same reason and also to help balance braking and throttle control.