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Followup To
Question -
Hi, I have made it to the assessment stage for the Formula Woman 2006 TV program (www.formulawoman.com) and have a written test around motor racing this Saturday 18th June. I do not have much knowledge of the sport and was wondering if you could help?! Please read the following which I received from Formula Woman, 'We will not be asking you to explain the theory behind the internal combustion engine, nor expect you to know the winner of the 1965 Le Mans Grand Prix (Tim Harvey wasn't it?). We will ask you questions relevant to what you are attempting to achieve – getting a foothold on the motorsport ladder. Tip of the month that I've been allowed to give away, chequered flags aren't the only ones used in motorsport, cheque out some others'.
Some guidance on the sort of things i should be revising would be great!
Hope to hear from you soon. Louise
Answer -
Whoops, just spotted a typo. I'd meant to say the flags etc are described in the "Blue Book", the RAC's rules for UK motor racing. Adam
Thanks for your help but I did not get your orgignal answer. Also, where can i get a copy of the 'Blue Book'?
AnswerI see, sorry about that. Here is my answer in full.
"HELLO LOUISE. CONGRATULATIONS ON MAKING IT THROUGH SO FAR AND THANKS FOR THE QUESTION.
First up, the trick question. The French Grand Prix was only ever once help at Le Mans, in 1967, won by Jack Brabham. Normally it is used for the annual 24 hour sports car endurance race, not called a "grand prix".
Regarding the flags, these are described in the "Blue Book, the rulebook for British Motor racing which you should get yourself a copy of, as well as in many motor racing books you can get from bookshops/libraries etc. In brief:
Red = race stopped, return slowly to grid
Black = driver disqualified
Black with orange diamond and driver's number = come into the pits at once (e.g. something is wrong with your car)
Yellow waved = danger ahead, slow down
Yellow held stationary = danger still ahead but nothing new (ie a spun car is still on the circuit)
Green = track now safe (held out after a yellow flag incident)
Blue = move over, a faster car is trying to overtake (lap) you
Yellow and red vertical stripes = danger, slippy surface ahead
White = danger, ambulance or course car on the track
You may be asked about other forms of racing and F1 feeder series. These include Formula Renault, Formula 3 and GP2.
I'm away for the weekend from tomorrow, so if you have any other questions, please let me know today and I'll be happy to help. Some useful websites below."
http://www.msauk.org/
http://www.fia.com/thefia/index_1024.html
I really recommend you check out the first of these websites (RAC Motor Sports Association, the governing body of car racing in this country) and have a good look around there. There is lots of useful and important information for you.
Regarding where to get the blue book from, you can get it from this site too. Look under MSA Shop, MSA Publications, it's the "2005 MSA "Competitors' Yearbook." It says it's free when you apply for a racing licence (also explained in detail).
If on the RAC website you enter women in the search box, you will also get some useful information and links.
Good luck Louise,
Adam
