EV.3.1 Operation

In the context of racing, the invention of electronic stability control (ESC)- which was used to help drivers maintain control of the vehicle in hard steering maneuvers- made a reversal gear impractical due to the fact that it required a separate internal circuit to function (increased internal resistance). Between tanking the performance of these cars from an amperage and weight perspective, a reversal gear is mostly prohibitive.

Nowadays, Formula One cars are required to have a reverse gear, but it is generally kept as small, insignificant, and positioned in the best location for weight distribution (some say that if vehicle manufacturers could 'paint them on', they would). For our case, it is relevant that our car is not built with rear-view mirrors. This could potentially be a safety constraint.

This rule approves an analog potentiometer pedal as a means for requesting torque. 

But what does it mean to request torque? What is the role of a potentiometer?

Torque is requested when the driver presses the accelerator pedal. That input signal is translated into a rotational twisting force within the tractive system which helps the vehicle accelerate.

And as for the potentiometer it is basically a device which provides a variable electrical resistance which can be calibrated based on user input. 

This rule restricts the use of torque vectoring to amplify the power requested by the driver, essentially preventing teams from using an algorithm to bypass safety restrictions. If the vehicle accelerated in an unexpected way while the driver

But what is torque vectoring?

It is a multifaceted system which controls how much power the vehicle's engine and motor send to each individual wheel. This can be done using a differential (and the process varies depending on which type is used- an 'open' differential cannot control which wheel receives the most torque, while a 'limited slip differential' does so mechanically) by using small clutches within the mechanism. Additionally, they can use braking systems to stop a wheel from slipping and improve the car's ability to accelerate in slippery conditions.

Ultimately, torque vectoring is helpful for traction, cornering, and stability, but should not be used to amplify the torque requested by the driver. Instead, power output should be redistributed and/or decreased.