Figured this is as good a place as any to ask... would Ferrari's standout performance in Singapore this weekend have a direct correlation to their use of pull rod suspension instead of the push rod in use by everyone else?
TAG wrote:Figured this is as good a place as any to ask... would Ferrari's standout performance in Singapore this weekend have a direct correlation to their use of pull rod suspension instead of the push rod in use by everyone else?
IMO no, not at all.
Grip is a four letter word. All opinions are my own and not those of current or previous employers.
There is very little difference between push rod and pull rod in terms of the suspension function. The primary difference is aerodynamic.
Secondary effects might include some subtleties in terms of how you can impose ride steer effects (where the push rod displaces due to it being non-coincident to the steering axis) between push and pull rod, but the difference between the 2 solution is likely measured in tens of milliseconds per lap. Small differences in the motion ratio might also belong in this group.
Tertiary effects (smallest) could be the different camber stiffness and different CG heights which result from having the upper or the lower wishbone being strengthened to take the main ride loads. These would likely be a few millisecond a lap difference.
These numbers aren't calculated, but are just my opinion based on my simulation work experience.
My sense (no proof) is that as the diffuser and undercar downforce has been degraded by the rules so likewise has the need for rigorous ride height control.
