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2006: Adaptation of the zero keel

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In the first part of our technical review of 2006 we mark up that most teams have searched for success with different keel designs compared to 2005. Honda, BMW, Toyota and Midland have all chosen for the zero keel, thinking that the aerodynamic benefits would outweigh the disadvantages in front suspension geometry. Looking backward, it were still single (or V) keeled designs that ruled. None of the teams have performed very well in twisty circuits, apart for Button's Honda that profited from excellent Michelin tyres in Hungary. Leaving out next year's harder Bridgestone tyres it looks unlikely to be beneficial to move to a zero keel model. 2 More months of waiting and we will know for sure.

Comments

By janus on 02-11-2006 at 12:44

maybe the changes are going to be more to the michelin ex teams i dont belive toyota will change it again or renault maybe the hard tyres of this year can be the soft ones of next year the teams have test varius compunds over the season and they now if their suspension is goind to take advantage of a harder tyres ..no one made test whid new suspension geometry remenber last year toyota at japan whid new suspention i dont think ist going to be a war off soft or ward compunds i think its going to be a war of construtuion of the tyres a dont now if the change of the zero kell was that the aerodynamic benefits would outweigh the disadvantages in front suspension geometry maybe the zero keel was better for michelin tyre constrution if thats the case all the michelin teams are going to changes let wait and see

ferrari start in front this year the suspension is the same the tyres the same kimi driving style is like sumacher lest have ope that the championship is diferent that the one in 2004

By mini696 on 03-11-2006 at 04:41

I wonder whether teams who use zero keel setups, could use the information gained from them to make a single/V setup work more efficiently than before.

Anyone know?

By Ian P. on 06-11-2006 at 21:57

If the tires (sorry, tyres...) next year are going to be a harder compound, and that seems to be the general expectation, then will this not have a series of effects on car design..... some in areas that do not seem to be related.
Keels... if the no-keel is mechanically inferior to the single keel, will this be potentially better at heating up the tyres. Why treat the tyres gently if even the \"soft\" compound is going to be harder than what was run this year.
If the tyres are going to be harder, will they not last longer. This should affect race strategies, ie fewer stops for fuel and tyres.
If no tyre heaters, again the push to fewer stops and the need to be able to get tyres up to temperature quickly.
If fewer stops, will this push designers to larger fuel tanks.? Increased weight should heat cold tyres faster.
I don\'t think the keel issue (mechanical vs aero efficiency) can be taken in isolation. It will certainly be interesting to see how the various teams adapt to different regs. and tyre construction. Should see some surprises (A. Newey and Mike G. to name a couple of instigators) in 07.
Unfortunately, as Williams has already discovered, the supply of tyres for testing will be a HUGH issue.
Nothing like change to spice things up.
Ian P.

By G-Rock on 08-11-2006 at 15:41

I looked under my own car (BMW 3 series) and discovered that it too is \"zero keel\" and allows more airflow under the car. Seeing the results of zero keel this year, i don\'t know whether to be happy or worried about that setup. I should talk to the dealer about this...although they laughed at me the last time i was worried about my engine blowing up after seeing Montoya\'s engine fail spectacularly 3 or 4 times.

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