Team: Stefano Domenicali (TP), Mario Almondo (Director of Operations), Aldo Costa (TD), Nicolas Tombazis (CD), Luca Marmorini (HE) Drivers: Fernando Alonso (5), Felipe Massa (6)
A place to discuss the characteristics of the cars in Formula One, both current as well as historical. Laptimes, driver worshipping and team chatter do not belong here.
The upper wing is smaller, jackson. This is what I wanted mclearen to change ever since testing began. I notice some teams like to run the top wing big and heavy. Maybe it might have an effect on the reaction time.
While I'd assume you might be right on the reaction time question, I think the more important difference would be that a larger upper element would result in a greater reduction of drag (and downforce) when activated.
I expect all serious teams to vary their element sizes race by race, just as they always have with conventional RWs, I suspect it's just that everyone is looking hard at the RW this season to see what's new.
The answer to the ultimate question, of life, the Universe and ... Everything?
Well, they've spent the last few weeks developing a nicely done version of RB's exhaust system. Trying to get exhausts to the front of the tub will require a lot of internal alterations which may also require bodywork modifications. Lots of effort for little obvious benefit so far (based on Renault's performance to date).
The detailing to the front of the Ferrari floor is likely designed to be improving the quality of flow under the leading edge. I'd bet they're developing some clever vortices from those corners. Also, the outer leading edge forward extension is needed to pick up the turning vane whilst still maximising flow in to the sidepod undercut.
Look at the way the bargeboard sits in to the floor cutout. Looks like the barge board will be assisting air flow in to the sidepod undercut whilst preventing dirty air from the front wing etc. getting in under the floor.
If you are more fortunate than others, build a larger table not a taller fence.
Can someone explain why a different carbon cloth (more orangish) is used for the leading edge of he floor compared to the traditional bigger weave we see?
We did see this in the Renault case where the exhausts exited in the front. Are the fibres coated on a single side with ally or a a heat resistant material?