Mercedes GP W02

[JohnsonsEvilTwin]

[King Six]

I'm finding it hard to see how the sidepods have changed since the last test a few weeks ago, apart from the exhausts and the fancy grills

[bot6]

Kris -> Just a bit of unpainted carbon fiber as far as I can make out...

Those sidepod entries still look enormous... But the pods did change.
They are swept forwards when seen from above, and they are a bit narrower, especially at the back.

[Mandrake]

The crash structure is still visible and IN the airflow on the picture above.....if it really is the crash structure we are seeing.

If it is the crash structure something has to change, right?

[7TTT]

What is next to the Airbox Cam?

[FrukostScones]

edit: Better sidepod comparison done before by Blackout on page 93.

[dren]

11:55 Lots of questions to live@autosport.com about Mercedes' programme and whether we'll see a qualifying-style run from Schumacher today.

We don't expect Mercedes to go for low fuel until it has all its new parts on the W02. From what we understand, today is about getting a baseline set-up with the new exhaust configuration that made its debut yesterday.

Tomorrow we'll see a more definitive Melbourne package from the team.

So probably tomorrow we'll see the final package then.

[dren]

Will they raise the beam wing? Most of the teams have moved it up over the rear crash structure and curved the middle area.

[Raptor22]

we have to see the final package tomorow because its Schumachers final day with the car. Rosberg when then also get to play with the new toys on Saturday.

[JohnsonsEvilTwin]

@Dren

AMuS says we will see the new front and rear wing after lunch.
Autosport disagrees.

We shall see after lunch

[JohnsonsEvilTwin]

Would a lower beam wing at the rear not create more pressure for Downforce?it appears very close to the diffuser, so it would intersting to see the effect of it.

[Blackout]

Amongst the modifications: redesigned fins under the nose:

(less FIesque, more RedBullesque)

[King Six]

Oh yeah, I see it now. That looks pretty cool, I don't quite follow the practical purposes of having the sidepod inlets swept forward like that, but it looks good.

[NewtonMeter]

The strakes on the side of nose also seemed to have disappeared.

[dren]

Would a lower beam wing at the rear not create more pressure for Downforce?it appears very close to the diffuser, so it would intersting to see the effect of it.

The low pressure under the beam wing aids the diffuser. It helps to suck air out of the diffuser. The other teams are moving the beam wing up, I am guessing in order to use its full length.