Shock developments

Optimising dampers for different motorsport disciplines is a key facet of shock absorber technology. Racecar spoke to those at the forefront of suspension system development to fi nd out more

- Gemma Hatton

Quite often, the only time we hear Formula 1 teams talk about suspension is when they are arguing the legality of their clever designs with the FIA and the rest of the paddock in the latest regulation row. So why can’t teams leave their suspensions alone? In short, because suspension is arguably the most important tool for gaining track performance.

The main purpose of the suspension is to absorb the oscillations between the vehicle body and the wheel, generated by undulations in the track surface. Also, maximum contact between the tyres and the track is needed for the most time to achieve optimum grip. Suspension also plays a role in maximising cornering stability, braking distances and acceleration. So you can see why motorsport engineers invest so much time, resources and money into manipulating suspension characteristics in their continued quest for that optimum set-up. And much of the work is centred specifically on dampers.

‘The main damping concept of flow architecture, and how the pressure is built up in the damper, is the same for all our dampers in high-level motorsport,’ says Claes Hesling, project manager, racing, at Öhlins. ‘Our damping technology ensures that the damper responds properly under all conditions without experiencing cavitation. This helps minimise the variation in contact patch load, which in turn optimises grip and control.

'Another aspect is the versatility, which is achieved with flexible valving systems to ensure powerful and precise adjusters.