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Transport Departments Key Element in Formula One Racing
from: Maxx Sports GuidesAlthough seldom considered, transportation is a key function of Formula One racing. Much of the work surrounding successful Formula One racing teams is done behind the scenes.
Spectators may seldom give any thought to how the cars and all accompanying equipment arrive at the Grand Prix circuit or what's involved in getting them there.
A Formula One racing team's transport department is responsible for the smooth handling of every aspect of moving the team and equipment from one location to the other. The transport department must excel at handling small details perfectly. The department coordinates couriers and deliveries, as well as making certain every necessary travel arrangement is completed.
Trucks primarily are used to handle transportation to European Formula One racing locations. Individual truck convoys are operated by each Formula One racing team, which brings along motor homes and kitchens for team members' comfort at the race.
Not an easy task to begin with, moving a Formula One racing team from one circuit to another becomes more complicated when races are held on different continents. With races scattered around the globe teams must efficiently transport heavy gear. When the Formula One racing series moves to Grand Prix locations outside of Europe the overall transportation needs are organized by Formula One Management (FOM).
Equipment is transported in chartered jumbo jets. Formula One racing teams based in England leave from London and those from the continent leave from Milan. And transporting everything needed for a Formula One race is expensive.
Like regular airline passengers who must observe luggage weight requirements, Formula One racing teams are limited to ten tons of free freight. Teams are charged fees for all weight above the limit.
Under the Concorde Agreement, which governs Formula One racing, a formula allows teams to receive a transportation subsidy based on performance at season's end. Competition for transportation subsidy funds is another incentive to keep Formula One racing teams pushing their cars to the limit.
The list of equipment a Formula One racing team must transport to a race is overwhelming. The Formula One racing cars are transported in specially designed frames to prevent damage. Special containers are used to transport fuel and oil that meet FIA regulations.
FOM must coordinate the transportation of TV broadcasting equipment totaling more than 50 tons. As well, testing equipment that FIA needs at each race must be transported and rebuilt at each Formula One racing venue.
FOM handles the overall logistics for transportation of the Formula One racing team equipment; however, each team's transport department is responsible for the details to make travel successful. They verify that travel tickets have been arranged and deal with passport issues. The logistics team is part travel agency and part deliver service.
When races are scheduled just a week apart the Formula One racing team's logistic specialists make sure that equipment is moved and reassembled at the new location in less than 72 hours.
While they work behind the scenes and are seldom recognized, the efforts of Formula One racing's transport departments are key to a winning season.
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