Almost 2 different cars
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The curved cascade looks like a very strong vortex generator.
amouzouris wrote:couple of things..the new nose is a bit longer and a bit (i think) higher than the older nose. The new cascades are going to produce a stronger vortex which is going to take away some of the downforce that the fw produces. Thus massa was testing the front wing with the upper element that is taller along the inner edge than the one alonso is using, and alonso is using the new 'pelican nose' which again does produce some downforce to balance the slight downforce loss from the front wing.
The stronger vortex produced from the new cascades is for better flow management around the front wheels
I think nose length and height remain the same, just a little optical illusion playing your eyes.
The curved cascade looks very interesting. They are trying there to creating one massive vortex. Why not just cut in the main flap or reduce flap angle? Maybe something more is going on; one far guessed explanation could be that the cascade needs to be fed enough air before being able to create the intended vortex, suggesting it works not or way less at the slow corners, producing the necessary DF there while shedding it more at the straights. It's just guessing on my part, but I feel there is a reason why they went for a complicated drag-reducing solution.