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Suspension and steering systems

Red Bull Racing RB4 front suspension.
Malaysian Grand Prix, Rd 2, Qualifying Day, Sepang, Malaysia, Saturday, 22 March 2008 Ferrari F2008 cockpit.
Formula One World Championship, Rd 18, Brazilian Grand Prix, Race Day, Interlagos, Sao Paulo, Brazil, Sunday, 2 November 2008

Formula One cars must have conventional sprung suspension. Any system, such as active suspension, that can alter the suspension or its geometry while the car is moving is forbidden.

The suspension members must have a symmetrical profile for the majority of their length. This is to prevent designers using them as aerodynamic devices.

Each wheel must be tethered to the body of the car by one or two cables, each with its own attachment. The cables must meet specific tensile strength requirements and are designed to stop the wheels coming loose from the car in the event of an accident or suspension failure.

Power steering systems are allowed, but these must not be electronically controlled or powered. Four-wheel steering is forbidden. The car’s steering wheel, steering column and steering rack all have to pass an FIA impact test.

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