Bump graphs denote race quality

F1 has a great little live-timing app that runs during races. Each driver is represented by a line that vertically bumps its way along as time unfolds horizontally.

An exciting European Grand Prix in Germany, 2007 A great race, denoted by a horizontal bump graph The less-thrilling Hungarian Grand Prix in Hungary, 2007 A less interesting race, characterized by longer horizontal lines

The graph shows an immense amount of information in a relatively small amount of space. The pit stop strategy of each team. Unexpected retirements and crashes denoted by circular line endings. Dramatic passes made when two relatively parallel lines cross. An entire two hour race is compressed into a 500x500 pixel space quite comfortably.

Here we see the 'fight' for the lead of each race. Hungary is obviously a lot less intense than Germany was. You have to feel for Massa being passed so close to the end of such a grueling race. That is a well deserved second place.

Hamilton leads the race from start to finish A boring race, lead from start to finish by Hamilton Massa leads until lap 56, where he was dramatically passed by Alonso A more interesting race, denoted by a pass on lap 56 by Alonso for the lead

I'm not sure what else to say, other than this is an excellent example of a bump graph in action, and that this concept should be applied to many more sets of data.

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