Lotus E21 Renault

[DAMNINice]

Can anyone tell me why they still run those "ears" (closed air inlets for DRD on the airbox) when they are not even using the DRD??



Why aren't they using a slimmer Airbox Version without it?
It´s just making drag and turbulant air for the rear wing without any advantage.

[Maxion]

Can anyone tell me why they still run those "ears" (closed air inlets for DRD on the airbox) when they are not even using the DRD??


Why aren't they using a slimmer Airbox Version without it?
It´s just making drag and turbulant air for the rear wing without any advantage.

I think the theory going around is that the "ears" are molded into the chassis and can't be just removed. Why they've gone down this route is a bit odd if they're still unsure if they'll be able to run the DRD or not.

[DAMNINice]

Can anyone tell me why they still run those "ears" (closed air inlets for DRD on the airbox) when they are not even using the DRD??


Why aren't they using a slimmer Airbox Version without it?
It´s just making drag and turbulant air for the rear wing without any advantage.

I think the theory going around is that the "ears" are molded into the chassis and can't be just removed. Why they've gone down this route is a bit odd if they're still unsure if they'll be able to run the DRD or not.

Thanks..

I know that they are molded into it.. but even I could cut them off and close the hole with CF in my garage in 5 hours... And I´m not an F1 team!!!

[raymondu999]

Perhaps the airbox roll structure is in the ears? Those are homologated.

[munudeges]

It's poor form of Lotus to be leaving something like that on if it isn't needed.

[Isak]

Obviously Lotus have found that the advantages of molding the ears into the roll hoop instead of using interchangeable parts outweight the disadvantages. Interchangeable panels are nothing new. Lotus knew from last year that they would not always use the DRD so hey designed the ears with this in mind.

I believe nothing on a modern F1 car didnt atleast have two different design paths with several different iterations. This was chosen as the best design for a reason. And reasons for choosing something in F1 are generally down to performance or reliability, or more often a mix of both.

My guess is that the weight of the system and hence CoG was that much lower if the ears were molded in that it outweighted the aero penalty.

[korzeniow]

Thanks..

I know that they are molded into it.. but even I could cut them off and close the hole with CF in my garage in 5 hours... And I´m not an F1 team!!!

You can't modify chassis at will. Unless you conduct new crash tests

[Blackout]

New FW
Old FW

http://i72.servimg.com/u/f72/14/79/55/26/racepi19.jpg

[Blackout]

[stefan_]

Australia - Friday FP1 & FP 2 (15.03.2013)















High resolution: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8

[Forza]

F1 Australian GP - Friday FP - 15/3/2013

[korzeniow]

F1 Australian GP - Friday FP1 - 15/3/2013
http://i.imgur.com/gw2JzZW.jpg

Is it looks like a nail that was nailed trough this winglet.

It seems it's adjustable because there are three holes for this nail to go into

[wesley123]

seems like a bit of a quick fix.

[Forza]

F1 Australian GP - Saturday - 16/3/2013

[Blackout]

Very different bulkhead from last year. First time I see a steering rack placed inside the monocoque in a new F1.
Everything is hidden inside.

First time you see the internal bodywork of the Lotus inplace:
Looks different from the other teams to me... not as skinny, it's baggy but sleek