The right formula for racing

FORMULA-One fever swept across Melbourne last week and some local students got up close and personal to leading driver Nick Heidfeld.
Several Kambrya College students spoke to the F1 driver and discussed a mathematical analysis of the race, which they had studied in class.
The BMW-Sauber driver, who finished in second position, was impressed with the students’ work.
Kambrya mathematics teacher Alan Thwaites said the learning unit was designed to assist students in the use of mathematics to better appreciate the value of working in teams.
“Students made estimates of the speeds at which Nick would be travelling around each of the 16 turns on the Albert Park track and discussed the forces that act upon the car and the driver,” he said.
“Students analysed the task of the F1 team, which is fundamentally to get the car around the circuit safely and in the fastest time possible.”
Mr Thwaites said the students worked in teams and compiled their results together.
“Each team evaluated a section of the circuit, eventually combining their results with those of the other teams to develop a picture of speed and acceleration patterns around the entire track,” he said.
“Another team considered the forces acting upon the car and driver. Yet another team considered the roles of the driver, the pit stop team and other team members, investigating how they work together to achieve a team goal.”