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Material witness

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The National Physical Laboratory tests the composition of metals used in Formula One cars. And its rulings are just as stiff as the competition on the race track. Max Glaskin reports.

It's not easy enforcing the rules when the stakes are high. That's why the FIA governs Formula One with a rod of iron. It could, instead, use a bar of metal matrix composite (MMC) but its own regulations restrict the use of this exotic material. And to make sure none of the race car constructors even attempt to bend the rules around this extremely stiff and light metal, the FIA has appointed independent experts at the UK's

(NPL) to be material witnesses.

NPL is the country's measurement house, owned by the government and operated on its behalf by SERCO. Its principle research scientist Jerry Lord is in charge of the FIA task and he recalled how the unusual contract was won. 'The FIA approached us towards the end of 2001,' said Lord at NPL's smart new laboratory in Teddington, Middlesex. 'They wanted us to give them some advice on testing because there's a regulation on the specific stiffness of the materials that can be used in F1.'

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