Vodafone McLaren MP4-27 Mercedes

[AnthonyG]

A season.

I wouldn't implement it (due to cost reasons), that F-duct system isn't the reason for Mercedes' performance.

[SiLo]

A season.

I wouldn't implement it (due to cost reasons), that F-duct system isn't the reason for Mercedes' performance.

Same, while other teams are wasting their time with it, I would increase the overall performance of the car in other areas, bringing more performance in corners and better traction. That's my two cents anyway.

[Jef Patat]

Does anybody know what the restrictions of fins on the floor are? I noticed in the RB8 thread (post by Crucial) and on Scarbs blog (post) that RB are experimenting with rather large fins. Aren't they interesting in 'catching' and routing exhaust gasses?

[jason.parker.86]

I'm under the impression the Merc were effectively restricting that DDRS system so not to alert the FIA to the true advantages it brings in terms of pace. I believe half of the system is giving the car greater balance whilst under breaking from a DRS zone, in turn giving the driver better traction into the corner.

I also believe that McLaren probably already have a system in the pipe work, as will most other teams.

However I do not believe McLaren should waste a considerable amount of time and resources developing this system when their car is already as fast, if not faster in qualifying and race pace.

[raymondu999]

A season.

I wouldn't implement it (due to cost reasons), that F-duct system isn't the reason for Mercedes' performance.

Same, while other teams are wasting their time with it, I would increase the overall performance of the car in other areas, bringing more performance in corners and better traction. That's my two cents anyway.

Corners and traction? Why those in particular. The McLaren is probably the best on tracrion, and is at worst second best on corners.

[SiLo]

A season.

I wouldn't implement it (due to cost reasons), that F-duct system isn't the reason for Mercedes' performance.

Same, while other teams are wasting their time with it, I would increase the overall performance of the car in other areas, bringing more performance in corners and better traction. That's my two cents anyway.

Corners and traction? Why those in particular. The McLaren is probably the best on tracrion, and is at worst second best on corners.

Because that's where most time is gained around the lap, so surely you would not just want to be the best, but in another league?

[Crucial_Xtreme]

Look at the underside of the new MP4-27 FW



Good look at pressure sensors behind the diffuser

[Crucial_Xtreme]

Is it me or does this look like a hole in the floor? And if so, what an odd/interesting spot for such a hole.

Right click>view image

[Richard]

That pitot rake will be set to be aero neutral, otherwise it'd interrupt the flow it is trying to measure. So we see a horiz pitch a by the wheels, but 30 to 45 degrees by the diffuser.

I know its obvious when you think about flow lines from the diffuser but it is nice to see the abstract made flesh (or CF).

[markc]

Thanks for this explanation, I was wondering why the effort to engineer the curves and angle changes. It looks like a beautifully engineered piece as well.

[Jef Patat]

Is it me or does this look like a hole in the floor? And if so, what an odd/interesting spot for such a hole.

Isn't it just a fin on the floor? hard to see for sure though.

[hardingfv32]

How about the clocking of the pitot tubes, is that indication the alignment of flow?

Brian

[Just_a_fan]

Is it me or does this look like a hole in the floor? And if so, what an odd/interesting spot for such a hole.

No, it's the side of the diffuser where it starts to climb up from the rest of the floor plate.

[Just_a_fan]

During the pitstops, one mechanic holds the airbox and sidepod to keep the car stable on the jacks. He stands on the offside (driver's right) of the car. Another mechanic leant over and adjusted something on the nearside (driver's left) just behind the electrical cutoff pulls. The thing he adjusted appears to be a screw type adjuster and is highlighted in red on the silver paintwork - obviously the intention is for the mechanics to be able to find it in a hurry i.e. during pitstops.

So, any guesses as to what might be being adjusted here? Initial thoughts are it adjusts the airflow from the duct below the engine air scoop to the gearbox cooler, or adjusts the cooling for the KERS or maybe it adjusts the amount that the DRS moves to balance the changes that the front wing is having done?

[hardingfv32]

So, any guesses as to what might be being adjusted here?

How about a simple sway-bar adjustment through a remote cable drive system. It is located where the mechanic does not get in the way of the tire changers.

Good puzzle.

Brian