The highlight of BMW's Sauber F1 Team event at the 'Ring was definitely the vehicle swap between F1 driver Nick Heidfeld and BMW Motorrad Superbike rider Troy Corser.
Heidfeld gave up his 700 hp four-wheel F1 racer for the 200 hp BMW S1000RR Superbike, while Corser took the reins of the F1 vehicle. Although it wasn't a heated, full-throttle battle like the picture suggests, what do you think the outcome would have been?
My money is on the F1 car.
Make the jump for each driver's impression of the test ride.
Heidfeld said: "It was a sensational experience - thank you to everyone! I already had lots of fun practising on the street bike in the morning, and managed to score the first scrapes into the knee area of my racing suit. That was inevitable. Of course I wanted to touch the ground while cornering on the racing machine as well, and I came up trumps there too. I had expected the Superbike to be a huge leap over the production version, a bit like series cars and racers, but I was surprised in the end. The difference is huge. On the one hand the Superbike is more aggressive, builds up more grip and has the superior brakes, but on the other hand it is easier to ride because you can control it so well. The handling is very precise. Obviously I'm still miles from the limit with the superbike; I would love to have done a lot more laps."
Corser was also impressed by the F1 vehicle: "It was just awesome! The car feels so balanced and the brakes are fantastic, the tyres have unbelievable grip and the steering is very direct but still has a lot of feeling. I can't believe how hard and late you can brake. I know I was braking too early and I really would like to have a day or two with the car to really see what I can do with it. I'd like to thank everybody involved in giving me this opportunity - and I hope I can do it again."
greenpony says:
07:29 PM, 07/22/09
That's nice... but doesn't answer the question.
dougtheeng says:
06:14 AM, 07/23/09
I think the F1 car would be faster. How do we find out?
barbeau82 says:
06:23 AM, 07/23/09
I have no doubts the F1 car is faster. Active downforce, 4 points of contact on the road, that alone would make it faster in the corners and able to carry more speed out and accelerate down the straights.
lvranger says:
11:22 AM, 07/23/09
F1 for sure. That bike isn't far from the production version they sell whereas the F1 car is pure racing.
DCuerpoJr says:
11:36 AM, 07/23/09
On a straight line I'd say the Superbike is faster in acceleration & top speed (unless it's electronically limited).
Around the corners the F1 is much faster. In fact, for the wing/spoiler to work effectively the driver would have to attack most turns at over 100mph to provide enough down force for cornering.
Overall, the F1 car will be able to maintain a higher average speed on the track, resulting in better lap times (assuming the track has lots of twists and turns unlike the Indy Speedway).
DCuerpoJr says:
11:36 AM, 07/23/09
On a straight line I'd say the Superbike is faster in acceleration & top speed (unless it's electronically limited).
Around the corners the F1 is much faster. In fact, for the wing/spoiler to work effectively the driver would have to attack most turns at over 100mph to provide enough down force for cornering.
Overall, the F1 car will be able to maintain a higher average speed on the track, resulting in better lap times (assuming the track has lots of twists and turns unlike the Indy Speedway).
brn says:
01:03 PM, 07/23/09
DCuerpoJr, I think the F1 car would surprise you in acceleration. It'll definitely win in top speed. The aerodynamics of the bike won't let it win there.
Falconx84 says:
10:11 AM, 07/24/09
F1- easily 2x grip, similar if not better power to weight ratio