Transportation Of Formula One Racing Equipment

Much of the work surrounding successful Formula One racing teams is done behind the scenes. Spectators seldom wonder how the cars and all of their accompanying equipment arrive at the Grand Prix circuit or what is involved in getting them there. Transportation is a key component of Formula One racing although it is seldom considered.

The transport department of a Formula One racing team is responsible for making certain that every aspect of moving the team and equipment from one location to the other is handled smoothly. The transport department must excel at handling small details perfectly. They coordinate couriers and deliveries as well as making certain every necessary travel arrangement is completed.

Transportation to European Formula One racing locations is primarily handled with by truck. The individual truck convoys are operated by each Formula One racing team. Teams also bring along motor homes and kitchens for the comfort of team members present at the race.

Moving a Formula One racing team from one circuit to another is not an easy task but becomes more complicated when the races are held on different continents. With races scattered around the globe teams must efficiently transport nearly tons of 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 depart from London and those from the continent depart from Milan. The expense to transport everything needed for a Formula One race is expensive. Like airline passengers who must observe luggage weight requirements, Formula One racing teams are limited to ten tons of free freight. Fees are charged to teams for all weight above the limit.

The Concorde Agreement governs Formula One racing. The Concorde Agreement contains a formula that allows teams to receive a transportation subsidy based on performance at the end of the season. 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 the TV broadcasting equipment totaling over 50 tons. In addition, the testing equipment that FIA needs at each race must be transported and rebuilt at each Formula One racing venue.

While FOM handles the overall logistics for transportation of the Formula One racing team equipment, each team's transport department is responsible for the details that make travel successful. They verify that travel tickets have been arranged and worry about 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 the 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.