Brembo Advantages in Upcoming F1 Race in Miami

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Source: Brembo announcement

DETROIT – Brembo engineers offer a guide to braking for this weekend’s Formula 1 Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix, May 6-8.

Formula 1 returns to Florida after a 63-year absence. In 1959, two years before Brembo was established, racing was at Sebring on a track at an old military aerodrome which featured several hairpin bends. This year, racing will take place at the Miami International Autodrome which is located at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens.

It is a 5.41 km (3.36-mile) long street circuit with three straight sections and 19 turns but with various differences in height especially between turns 13 and 16. According to Brembo technicians, the Miami International Autodrome falls into the category of circuits with a medium level of difficulty for brakes. On a scale of 1 to 5, it is rated three on the difficulty index, the same as the other U.S. track, the Circuit of the Americas.

Brembo carbon doesn’t melt at 3,000°C (5,430°F)

Carbon discs were first used in Formula 1 in the 1980s, before spreading to other motorsport competitions. No other element offers the same special combination of light weight, high thermal conductivity and absence of dilation, even at 1,000°C (1,832°F), which is the temperature that the Brembo F1 discs reach.

The density of carbon is 1.7 grams (0.06 oz) per cubic centimeter, compared with 7.8 grams (0.28 oz) for steel and 7.3 grams (0.25 oz) for gray cast iron. Its coefficient of thermal expansion is one-fifteenth of steel and one-eleventh of cast iron. The melting point of carbon is higher than 3,000°C (5,430°F), compared with the 1,200°C (2,190°F) of cast iron and 1,800°C (3,270°F) of steel.

On the road, 3 meters (3.3 yards) make all the difference

Carbon discs aren’t suitable for road use, mainly because the braking system doesn’t reach the minimum operating temperatures that this material needs, but also due to high consumption which is not compatible with day-to-day use. Some of their benefits, however, can be found in the carbon-ceramic discs of which Brembo, with Brembo SGL Carbon Ceramic Brakes – a joint venture with SGL Group – is the main worldwide manufacturer.

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On average, carbon-ceramic discs allow a saving of 5-6 kg (11-13 lbs.) in weight compared to traditional cast iron discs. What’s more, their lifespan may even match that of the vehicle they’re mounted on. It depends on how it’s driven. But, above all, carbon-ceramic guarantees a reduction of about 3 meters (3.3 yards) in the braking distance from 100 km/h to 0 km/h (62 mph – 0 mph) compared with a traditional disc.

To view the entire announcement, click HERE.

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