ZF Sachs – BMW Formula 1 Official Supplier

ZF
Sachs, the manufacturer of driveline components has been officially
named as a supplier to the BMW Sauber Formula 1 Team. Official press release
below.

Official Press Release from ZF Sachs

SCHWEINFURT, Germany –(BUSINESS WIRE)– ZF Sachs was named an “official
supplier” to the BMW Sauber F1 Team, providing the rotational damping
technology – developed by its motor sports subsidiary ZF Sachs Race Engineering
– for the rear suspension, along with front shocks.

ZF and BMW have a long-time working relationship with regard to passenger cars,
and ZF has supported the Formula BMW series for several years. During 2006,
the BMW Sauber F1 team also used the rotational damper.

The rotational damping technology works as dampers and rockers for the push
rods at the same time. Instead of three conventional dampers in the rear suspension,
two rotational dampers integrated in the rocker now handle the bulk of the work,
replacing two of the conventional dampers. The pivoted rocker is a type of “triangular
lever arm” that diverts jounce and rebound motion from the wheel to the
spring, anti-roll bar and – in previous systems – to the conventional
dampers.

Rotational dampers offer a host of benefits: first and foremost, they save
space, as the damper and rocker are combined into a single unit. This allows
a more compact gearbox design, improving aerodynamic efficiency. The rotational
dampers are also lighter, saving approximately 50-70 grams. Like the conventional
system, the new solution operates with non-adjustable dampers during Grand Prix
weekends. If the engineers need to change the set-up, the complete rotational
damper is exchanged for another with different characteristics. In addition,
the overall friction within the system is reduced, improving response characteristics
and handling.

ZF is a leading international supplier of driveline and chassis technology
headquartered in Friedrichshafen, Germany, employing approximately 55,400 at
122 locations in 26 countries. To continue supplying innovative products, ZF
annually invests 5 percent of worldwide sales, (sales: approx. $15.3 billion
in 2006) into research and development.

ZF operates an extensive manufacturing network in North America, combined with
global research and development capabilities, to provide advanced technology
to the NAFTA region. The ZF Group North American Operations Headquarters and
Technical Center is located in Northville, Mich., USA.