wet handling

[KnifeEdge_2K1]

we know that in the dry the optimum setup is mid engined rear drive for cars

but in the wet is it also true ?? cuz i'm thinking that since traction is severely limited in wet conditions a mid engined car might have alot of trouble in the braking zone and corner entry, first of all because there's less weigh over the front end and the limited traction reduces your ability to shift weight forward and also increases the likelyhood of the front tyres hydroplaning

[Matra et Alpine]

"proper" mid is fine in wet.
It's the RWD which always causes the "problems"
What you DO need though is good balance in wieght distribution.
So if it's rigth then the issue of weith on teh front's isnt'a a problem and f it's a car with good uspsension to allow the driver to shift and alter front end grip under braking than it can be OK.
BUT the engine being where it is in a concentrated mass can make the polar moment of it's inertia the real problem and lots will swap ends coming INTO corners when really pushing it as the rear grip is lessened and all the inertia is there That polar moment under brakign is operating around the front wheels mainly and hence is a "Long lever" and more likely to snap

Also by the time a race car is on a track where their us enough standing water then they're on rain tyres and they can shift HUGE amounts fo water, much more than a road tyre. So you dont' really ever aquaplane unless you're out on the wrong tyres. And if you're on slicks in the wet then where an engine is is academic, cos the proble is with the brain !!

[KnifeEdge_2K1]

wut's proper mid ?

[PerfAdv]

A well balanced, mid-engined setup.

[magracer]

I'd argue that the proper "setup" for the wet is 4wd and a smart electronic nanny. IMHO the engine position (or polar moment) comes second to traction in slippery conditions, but obviously a neutrally balanced car (cuh as a mid-engined one) is good in every condition...The Mitsu Evo comes to mind as a 4wd, front engined, and neutraly balanced car.

[Matra et Alpine]

yeah good point, mag, AWD is on it's own in the wet as you get the best of FWD on the way in and RWD on the way out .

The point on the polar moment is quite important under breaking as the rear traction is minimalised through weight transfer and the traction is almost all lost and then the polar moment becomes a big issue if it's going to cause the ends ot swap