diffuser wrote:godlameroso wrote:Speed trap just tells you how much speed you carried through Eau Rouge
I'm talking in general about the speed trap and not specifically about SPA. No it isn't, gives you an idea of who will be faster in the straights. In qualifying at most tracks, because cars are prepared for the race and are much lighter in qualifying, the cars are buzzing against the rev limiter when they pass the speed trap. So they can't go faster even if they wanted too and they're in "Parc Ferme" so they can't change much. I'm not saying it an exact science but it gives you an idea. Trust me it works.
No, the speed trap gives an idea about the acceleration of the car, but not about its ultimate top speed. Red Bull for instance had the highest speed at the speed trap, but was ultimately only seventh fastest at the end of the straight. At Spa they definitely don't hit the rev limiter yet when crossing the speed trap. Last year Button was ticking 305km/h at the speed trap, but kept gaining speed until he hit the rev limiter at 321km/h. I do not know why you would bring up the difference in fuel load; it's irrelevant because it's the same for everyone.
Basicilly in current F1 a faster accelerating car means you will hit the rev limiter earlier. For a car like RB9 the speed trap will be more relevant then for instance the F138.