Innovative 'Hydrolink' suspension for Formula 1


The Tyrrell Racing Organisation Ltd. reinforced its
reputation as an innovative Formula 1 constructor with the
introduction of its unique ´Hydrolink´ Suspension System -
a key feature of Nokia Tyrrell Yamaha´s 023 Grand Prix car
which will carry the team´s hopes for success in this
year´s FIA Formula 1 World Championship. 

The 023 is the creation of the Tyrrell design team headed
by Dr Harvey Postlethwaite, the company´s Managing 
Director-Technical. Neat, sleek and packed with
innovations, the 023 is certain to further enhance the
revival in the team´s fortunes after its highly promising
1994 season. 

Dr Postlethwaite commented: "This year´s Formula 1
regulations have dramatically reduced the aerodynamic
downforce which cars can generate to enhance tyre grip.

So mechanical grip, grip provided by the chassis, will be
the ´magic ingredient´ of 1995, and once again fundamental
to the performance of F1 cars." 

"The new Hydrolink System - developed with the assistance
of Fondmetal Technologies - will enhance mechanical grip
and give back to Tyrrell cars some of the performance
benefits enjoyed by Formula 1 cars fitted with the
sophisticated computer-controlled active suspension systems
in 1992-93, before such systems were prohibited by the FIA
to reduce the cost of competing in F1." 

"Clearly, Tyrrell cannot reveal fully the secrets of its
new system, but its chief advantage is the way it allows
independent control of the suspension´s bump and roll
characteristics and enables the car´s handling to be
adapted to individual tracks with great precision - 
avoiding many of the compromises inherent in a conventional
suspension system." 

Extensively tested during the winter months on a modified
1994 Tyrrell Yamaha 022 car, the Hydrolink System
demonstrated in practice the substantial theoretical
benefits predicted, and was welcomed enthusiastically by
every driver who has sampled the system. 

The Hydrolink System is a high-precision unit, an example
of top quality, aviation-standard engineering, conceived,
designed and built exclusively in-house at Tyrrell´s Ockham
facility. 

However, the team would especially like to thank Fondmetal
Technologies, the team´s official supplier Koni for 
providing tailor-made components, and Servotest whose test
equipment and software installed at Ockham has been an
essential tool, both in proving the concept and without
which thousands of kilometres of rig testing could not have
been achieved. 

One of Britain´s longest established Grand Prix teams, the
Tyrrell Racing Organisation is gearing itself up for a 
return to the winner´s circle, in its 28th season of
Formula 1 competition. It enjoys an exclusive engine supply
contract with team partners Yamaha whose new 3-litre, V-10
powerunit is compact, light and already generating highly 
competitive levels of power. 

"As well as being the strongest car we´ve ever made, I 
think the new car also looks really superb," said team 
founder and Chairman Ken Tyrrell. "The innovations and build
quality of the 023 are a great credit to the engineering and
manufacturing teams under Harvey. With a competitive car and
the outstanding commitment of the Yamaha Motor Company 
behind us, I am sure that 1995 will be a rewarding season
for everyone at Nokia Tyrrell Yamaha." 


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Source: http://www.nokia.com/