Another Pit Stop Query

[Liz]

Why are F1 pitstops so much faster than Champ Car pitstops? Is it because they use more guys in F1?

[elephino]

Partly the number of people and partly the refueling system.

CART are only allowed 6 people over the wall. 1 for each wheel, one for fuel and one for the jack and vent. They also have a gravity fed refueling system which is not exactly quick and slows as the fuel is removed from the refueling tank.

In F1 there are an unlimited number of people allowed. The usual rundown is 3 per wheel, 2 for jacks (one front and one back), 2 holding the fuelhose which is very heavy and includes the vent in the system, one with a board to block the exhaust fumes from the refuelers if a periscope exhaust is used. In addition to this there is usually a person with a bottle of liquid and wipe the helmet visor and people to remove rubbish from the radiators if necessary, etc. F1s refueling is also a force fed system which is much quicker.

F1 used to regularly do 5s pitstops for tyres only before refueling was reintroduced.

[Crash Test]

Aren't some of the BTCC pit stops these days in the 4-5 second range, although they are only 2 tyres, and extra two people on the rear wouldn't slow it down too much...

[senna12]

Formula 1 used the sportscar type of pitstop, no tires or service until the fuel is in! The margin for error would grow immensely. Imagine the possibilities!!