Brabham Fan Car

18th June 2016

The Brabham Fan Car

I am sat here thinking about something to write on the blog as it has been a while. I start to think about race cars and innovation. My mind wanders to the slow progression of the current project car and ponders ways to innovate. Then the next thing that pops up is the Brabham Fan Car. I remember that Murrays brilliance of design saw the car quickly banned. The fan was alledgedly for cooling but I think the shape shows a different intent. 

Isn't it a shame that when true innovation occurs in motor sport,  often it is banned. Rather than everyone else copying that design to level out the advantage?

Surely the current crop of F1 cars wouldn't look, sound or drive like they do if they were allowed to really innovate?

Why can't a team run a 120 deg V12 instead of a 90 deg V6? Even the basics that you accept as a given in lower formula are strangely out of reach at the pinnacle of motor sport. Induction should be Free. Petrol Engine configuration should be free or what about Gas Turbines running multifuel with a high speed flywheel for instant response.

I really think that F1 needs more innovation and a more laissez faire approach to the rules.