Comments on: McLaren Conclude Investigation Into Heikki’s Shunt

By: Should McLaren Think About Reinventing The Wheel? » BlogF1

Should McLaren Think About Reinventing The Wheel? » BlogF1 — Sun, 11 May 2008 16:19:13 +0000

[...] season has seen Heikki Kovalainen have a sizable accident at the Spanish Grand Prix, the wheel clamp being blamed for the Finn’s impact with the tyre [...]

By: Oliver White

Oliver White — Thu, 08 May 2008 19:38:54 +0000

Hi Bob,

As far as I can tell (and I’m no expert), it is a part of the wheel that contacts with the tyre, as you say. I believe the clamp to be a part of the rim and helps keep the tyre on.

I tried Googling for a proper answer, but the best I got was some quote saying there were an awful lot of parts to a wheel rim. And that was about it. Anyone else know exactly what an outer clamp is?

By: Bob Webb

Bob Webb — Thu, 08 May 2008 16:55:20 +0000

Outer clamp surface needs clarification here, whilst I am guessing at what it implies, ie tyre to wheel ‘bond’? When technical terms such as this which are not generally public knowledge, nor that of experienced mechanics/fitters, I feel it does need explanation.
So could someone help me out and explain please?

Thanks
Bob