Formula-1 Linux Client allows users to view the official Formula-1 website's information feed on their Linux devices. It is a native software designed for Linux users.
Live F1 is a software specifically designed for Linux users, providing a native client for accessing live timing information from the official Formula-1 website. Unlike typical browsers, Live F1 doesn't require Java enabling, making the user experience much smoother. The software displays timing information from practice sessions, qualifying races, and live races, keeping fans informed throughout the event.
However, an account on the official Formula-1 website is necessary to access this information. The primary source of live timing information is the data stream, available by connecting to live-timing.formula1.com on port 4321. The basic protocol, which relies on ping messages to receive data bursts, is a little unusual. If there's no activity on the socket for over a second, the software automatically sends a "0x10 byte" to check if more data is available.
The data format is binary and involves some degree of bit mapping, following a sequence of packets, each with a two-byte header that identifies the packet type and the data that follows. The header appears to be a 16-bit int on the server, sent little-endian down the wire. The type field and carid field are used to uniquely identify each packet type, with a carid of 0 largely corresponding to system messages. For non-zero carids, packets are always car-related.
The data field can be classified into three categories: special packets, long packets, and short packets. Special packets are used to store specific data, while long packets use the field to indicate how many bytes follow in the stream, implying a data payload of up to 127 bytes with a maximum packet size of 129 bytes. Short packets, on the other hand, split the field into two parts, storing the number of bytes that follow in the stream and the data itself, with a maximum payload of 14 bytes and packet size of 16 bytes.
Finally, the system packet with type 0x07 is an exceptional packet without length but with two bytes following it. Most data following the packet headers appear encrypted and require decryption for use. Overall, Live F1 provides a unique and convenient way to access crucial live timing information not available on typical browsers, making it ideal for avid Formula-1 fans.
However, an account on the official Formula-1 website is necessary to access this information. The primary source of live timing information is the data stream, available by connecting to live-timing.formula1.com on port 4321. The basic protocol, which relies on ping messages to receive data bursts, is a little unusual. If there's no activity on the socket for over a second, the software automatically sends a "0x10 byte" to check if more data is available.
The data format is binary and involves some degree of bit mapping, following a sequence of packets, each with a two-byte header that identifies the packet type and the data that follows. The header appears to be a 16-bit int on the server, sent little-endian down the wire. The type field and carid field are used to uniquely identify each packet type, with a carid of 0 largely corresponding to system messages. For non-zero carids, packets are always car-related.
The data field can be classified into three categories: special packets, long packets, and short packets. Special packets are used to store specific data, while long packets use the field to indicate how many bytes follow in the stream, implying a data payload of up to 127 bytes with a maximum packet size of 129 bytes. Short packets, on the other hand, split the field into two parts, storing the number of bytes that follow in the stream and the data itself, with a maximum payload of 14 bytes and packet size of 16 bytes.
Finally, the system packet with type 0x07 is an exceptional packet without length but with two bytes following it. Most data following the packet headers appear encrypted and require decryption for use. Overall, Live F1 provides a unique and convenient way to access crucial live timing information not available on typical browsers, making it ideal for avid Formula-1 fans.
What's New
Version 0.2.8: N/A