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Into F1: Learning to Work | ||
by Will Gray, England |
In a new series of articles, Will Gray analyses the different jobs available on the technical side of Formula One, finds what skills are required, and suggests ways for budding engineers to get their foot in the door
Any advert for a job in Formula One specifies a requirement for experience as well as high degree qualification. This doesn't mean a recent graduate is counted out! A degree is indeed an essential part of the education required for industry, but it is near worthless without some good engineering experience. This training can be gained from many areas, and it doesn't have to be a motor racing company you learn from - many principles in Grand Prix engineering, particularly knowledge of computer aided design, are universal.
Whilst at university, the long holidays offer plenty of time to go out and get some experience, but it need not begin then. Generally, you can begin gaining work experience from the age of around fifteen, and the more you can get on your CV, the better. Don't expect to jump straight into a Formula One team - it's much harder than that! However, smaller firms may be able to help - but don't expect to get paid for your time, just remember that doing it now will pay in the long run.
Club racing, such as Formula Ford, Formula Renault, or even Formula Three, all offer a unique opportunity to be right where the action is, but without the pressure of Formula One. It is worth trying to spend time with one of these kind of teams to get used to life in pit lane, or back in the work shop. Although there is less opportunity on the design side, many teams are often grateful for an extra pair of hands, and a graduate engineer who has seen some experience in a lower formula will be a more tasty prospect for any F1 team.
British universities wanted a piece of the action, and so began Formula Student, the European competition run to the same rules as Formula SAE. Going into its third year of existence in 1999, the competition boasted seven running cars and a total of 21 entrants. It is rapidly growing, and most importantly for budding student motor sports enthusiasts, Formula One teams have taken a great interest.
Backed by the Society of Automobile Engineers and the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, the European competition also has heavy industry support (from Jaguar, Ford, Shell, and MIRA), along with backing from two other institutions - the Motorsport Industry Association (MIA) and the Motor Sports Association (MSA). Designs in both competitions are aimed at club competitors taking part in 'Autocross' events - an American one-at-a-time speed event around cones in a large tarmac area. They comprise on an open wheel, open cockpit car, powered by a 4-stroke engine which must be less that 610cc, but can be supercharged.
The principles in race car design are similar whatever the formula, so lessons learned here are of tremendous use to all the areas of Formula One you may want to get into. Designs are advanced. A number of teams in the US competition use monocoque chassis designs, and many teams using professional analysis packages to test the structural integrity and the dynamics of their car. As is critical in all racing categories, areas such as weight and centre of gravity must constantly be considered, with all components required to be as light as possible, whilst innovation is also encouraged in the marking scheme.
Any experience is good, and anything you do over and above your course will put you one up on the rest. The opportunities degree courses offer, along with the Formula Student competition will certainly achieve that to some extent, but it is also important to obtain good work experience. You have to go out there and get it, and may have to work for free, but in the long run, you'll be glad you did.
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Will Gray | © 2000 Kaizar.Com, Incorporated. |
Send comments to: gray@atlasf1.com | Terms & Conditions |
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