Mercedes AMG F1 W03

[Matt Somers]

This is all part of the problem with the mainstream media as I've pointed out on twitter (Lots) The Lotus 'Device' is not DDRS as it does not require DRS in order for it to function. The new Mercedes piece is a similar concept to the Lotus device and will reduce drag on the rear wing. Perfect plausible that both systems caused be used in tandem IMO

[Timstr]

http://f1zoom.fx1.nl/?year=2012&race=be ... 543&full=1

[f1316]

This is all part of the problem with the mainstream media as I've pointed out on twitter (Lots) The Lotus 'Device' is not DDRS as it does not require DRS in order for it to function. The new Mercedes piece is a similar concept to the Lotus device and will reduce drag on the rear wing. Perfect plausible that both systems caused be used in tandem IMO

Agreed, and it may be there, I just can't quite tell from the pictures I've seen. The only reason I can think of not to run them both at the same time is to get more isolated data so as to better evaluate the new system.

It's also a lot of tubing that adds weight to the rear end, I suppose.

[Matt Somers]

I've asked Mark (Sutton Images) to try and get me some more pics, but obviously that won't happen today and they may scrap running it for the weekend now.

[Timstr]

The systems are independent.
The one is DDRS and only works on the front wing when the rear flap is open
The other one is a passive F-duct, working on the rear wing.
The sytems don't work together, so I don't see why they would need to take the DDRS off to test the F-duct or vice versa.
Some thin light weight carbon pipes won't make a difference of significance either.

[Adamski]

The systems are independent.
The one is DDRS and only works on the front wing when the rear flap is open
The other one is a passive F-duct, working on the rear wing.
The sytems don't work together, so I don't see why they would need to take the DDRS off to test the F-duct or vice versa.
Some thin light weight carbon pipes won't make a difference of significance either.

Yes, that's the way it goes. The thinner wing is a piece for Monza, the new device is just a copy and can be used for every race. Passive F-duct and DDRS can be used parallel, so it's a clever step from Merc. They just need to test the new parts, that is why the two driver drive with different cars.

[hardingfv32]

The design of the duct outlet is different than Lotus. It is not attached to the bottom of the wing and the nozzle is aimed at the wing surface. This would seem to interact with the wing flow in a different manner.

Could they be routing the the low pressure from under the wing to for some other location?

Could this have something to do with keeping the engine intake plenum in tune over a broader range?

Brian

[diego1960]

http://f1zoom.fx1.nl/?year=2012&race=be ... 543&full=1

Do I see a different engine cover, namely the air intake or am I mistaken? Also, the car looks bad-ass with the Lotus configuration under the rear wing. I hope they use it for Q and R, it would at least show that they try to implement ideas that work.

[zyphro]

Schumacher said there won't be any development stopping this year, it'll go right to the end with some changes made to the car during the next few races.

[zyphro]

[turbof1]

http://f1zoom.fx1.nl/?year=2012&race=be ... 543&full=1

Do I see a different engine cover, namely the air intake or am I mistaken? Also, the car looks bad-ass with the Lotus configuration under the rear wing. I hope they use it for Q and R, it would at least show that they try to implement ideas that work.

That will be very unlikely. They barely got any tracktime today; tomorrow they will be very busy with the set up of the car. They cant afford to gamble on it.

[elf341]

Agreed the W03 looks seriously good from that pic. If only the car was as fast as it is good in looks.

[Owen.C93]

Well seeing the duct not connected to the rear wing just raises more questions.

[dren]

Thought it was against the rules to do so?

[Timstr]

Well seeing the duct not connected to the rear wing just raises more questions.

I don't think the assembly is finished.
They' wee likely testing the impact on cooling and aero.