Formula One expert visits Oundle

  • 13 years ago
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Paul Monaghan, Head of Car Engineering at Red Bull Racing, visited Oundle School recently to give a talk to pupils about the aerodynamics of a Formula One car and how one goes about designing such a complex machine in just four months.

Upper Sixth former Christopher KortscakStarting with the basics, the engineering expert used diagrams to illustrate the general minimum size and shape of a racing car to accommodate the engine, driver and wheelbase. The aerodynamics were then overlaid and explained. Mr Monaghan also illustrated the basic engineering principles that create the car's downforce and how these are applied to car design.

Seventeen-year-old Oundle pupil Marcus Stead-Hall commented: ‘A particular highlight was the chance to handle the actual car parts, which were passed around, including a complete rear-wing section and a front nose. What was overwhelming was to feel the lightness of the materials with an understanding of the forces that they are exposed to; this encapsulated the cutting-edge nature of F1 technology.’

Paul Monaghan previously worked for Renault, where he was a race engineer for two-time champion Fernando Alonso. Now at Red Bull Racing, which won the drivers' and constructors' Formula One titles in 2010, he is in charge of the specifications of the team's race cars.

Find out more about Oundle School.

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