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someone explain a FWD vs. RWD comment on Speed Channel last nite..

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Old 01-29-2005, 10:25 AM
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rbt
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Default someone explain a FWD vs. RWD comment on Speed Channel last nite..

they were showing the Euro Touring Car Championship, rounds 15 & 16 from last year, at Imola. (A. Zanardi in the field, btw)
Anyway, they showed that 2 BMW drivers were leading the championship points, followed by 2 Alfas. Then they commented it was a very hot day, and that would particularly stress the FWD Alfas' front tires...but, topped it off by saying "this is definitely a FWD track". sure enough, two Alfas came in 1-2 in both heats.

So, if it's down to the track design itself, what track aspects would favor a FWD platform??? There doesn't seem to be anything gimmicky about Imola, it's an old track,other than the chicanes/kinks added after Senna.

p.s. those Alfa 156s look so nice; wish we could get 'em here.
Old 01-29-2005, 12:21 PM
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The Alfas had more grunt (I think) in that championship.
Old 01-29-2005, 02:09 PM
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Default No idea here...I would think the only 'fwd' track would be an autocross.

But even then you could rotate a car better with rwd. I think the only true 'fwd' track would be a frozen lake for an ice race.
Old 01-30-2005, 12:09 PM
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Default Don't know bout that place in particular but 1 instance a FWD might work better for some drivers

can sometimes be if its a place that you can pickup time instead of losing it by running wide, bigger radius, all the way over to the dirt at track-out. In FWD if you get into the dirt or even marbles at track-out you'll usually lose less speed than in a RWD cause you can still hold to the floor, RWD gotta breath off the gas to not spin. That lil bit of exit speed will make for much faster down the straights.. Like I said don't know if this is the case here.. but thats how they would be different in those circumstances..
Old 01-30-2005, 04:47 PM
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Default The Alfas drove like A-holes...that opening move was inexcusable.

An Alfa was on pole but the BMW had more grunt off the line. The Alfa makes 3 or 4 moves to block him and actually forces him into the grass, almost a wall.
Old 01-31-2005, 08:21 AM
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FWD are better in fast transitions (slaloms/chicanes) i believe
Old 01-31-2005, 01:02 PM
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Default and yes definitely A-hole moves, woulda been some paddock justice done up

with those guys if that would happened anywhere I've raced. Just beatem to their own transporter so they can't hide inside.
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