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New asymetric sidepod inlets on McLaren

By Steven De Groote on 19 Jul 2008, 17:56

McLaren have found the best way possible to reduce drag; just cover up the sidepod inlets. Much of the drag is causes by these inlets, which is why teams try to make them as small as possible, just big enough for cooling. McLaren have either found a very efficient way to provide engine cooling or have decreased the engine's need to be cooled down as the lower half of the air inlet of the right sidepod has been covered up. Previously the change was first seen at the most recent Silverstone test and was eventually raced there too. Several observers did however not expect to see it back in normal temperature conditions. At Hockenheim, possibly thanks to the rather low ambient temperatures, the team again using in on both MP-23's.

Comments

By Timstr on 19-07-2008 at 22:15

Pretty sure it was raced in Silverstone.

By Steven on 20-07-2008 at 13:30

Correct, it was raced as you said:
http://motorsport.com/photos/f1/2008/gb ... p-0989.jpg

That was however a rainy race and therefore was easier to manage engine cooling. I am eager to see if they'd manage to run this design in hot conditions...

By shir0 on 21-07-2008 at 07:32

I'm a little unsure, as I have no real evidence to point out, but Lewis and McLaren as a whole had been praising improvements made by their fuel partner, Mobil1 with regards to their synthetic engine and transmission oil. I remember reading an article wherein Whitmarsh was quoted saying that the new lubricant was efficient and less viscous enough that they can run with lesser amounts of it and it can also be cooled easily. I just can't seem to find those articles again.

By shir0 on 21-07-2008 at 07:33

Now another thing is that, could this mean the MP4/23 has separate radiators for engine coolant and lubricants?? That the smaller inlet is for the lubricant radiator??

By Steven on 21-07-2008 at 12:45

No doubt the oil cooler on the McLaren is in the left sidepod. As with all teams, they only have one oil cooling radiator and so that have to put it in one side. It's also why you see chimneys opened/closed asymmetrically on several cars.
I am however still amazed how small the cooling inlet can be on the one side. Could well gain a tenth or two per lap now that they closed it off.

By shir0 on 21-07-2008 at 14:06

I could be wrong but I didn't see the same setup on HK's car. If it's true, it's a real indicator on the two driver's car control abilities as an assymetrical, front-facing aerodynamic surface could have a huge impact on the stability of the car. And with Lewis doing great drives on that setup, he sure is one amazing driver.

By Steven on 21-07-2008 at 21:14

I checked, and it was definately also on Heikki's car at Hockenheim ;)

By Steven on 21-07-2008 at 22:15

Actually I did a little more research, and it appears that in France the team also ran its cars with smaller right sidepod inlets, although not as small as is currently the case.
In fact, the left inlet is now covered as much as the right one was at Magny-Cours.

By JVogt on 23-07-2008 at 12:07

I noticed McLaren reducing the inlet size of the right radiator as early as Monza last year. If someone tells me how, I'll upload a photo as proof :)

By LewisHamilton on 25-07-2008 at 19:51

shir0 soooo true