techman wrote: ↑25 Apr 2018, 10:52
mclaren renault bringing a b spec car with a new nose i heard, shows that their car had the drag issue for a long time but now it more highlighted with redbull winning with a renault. and mclaren renault have very low top speeds in general. it makes you wonder when they said their GPS traces shows they are quick in corners but losing on the straights last season.
No it doesn't actually, the issues of the MCL33 can't be assumed to have been present in the MCL32. If it was all about DF or being too draggy, why were they running out of delpoyment on the straights with the MCL32? Also, Mclaren haven't said they're bringing a b-spec chassis, certain outlets, journalists and fans are the ones interpreting it as such. Mclaren have said they are bringing major updates, that will bring the car to where it should have been in Australia, so it's not a reworked chassis. "We didn't turn up in Australia with the car we wanted because we were delayed for some reasons so a lot of parts and upgrades are on their way to hit the track," said Eric Boullier, McLaren's racing director.
"For logistical reasons it's very likely going to be in Barcelona and from that point we will see performance wise where we are."
A b-spec would suggest a reworking of the philosophy and cars baseline, if there are correlation issues, like the RB13 last season.
With the late switch of engines, they didn't start the season with the car they wanted. Same problem STR have, and as I recall, they also have big updates planned for Baku, as Hartley has mentioned, that can't be regarded as a b-spec either. You won't read the major sports outlets like Sky, BBC refer to the upgrades as a b-spec.
Q: (Stefano Mancini – La Stampa) Kimi, will you help Vettel to win his championship this year?
Kimi Raikkonen: I can only drive one car, obviously.
@2018 Singapore Grand Prix drivers press conference.