Shanghai Race Aerodynamic updates

[sasquatch]

I noticed in the race that Renault have a new setup for the barge boards.




Any ideas on what you think the purpose is.

Also, did anyone else see Sato pick up the plastic bag on the track. Even his mechanics missed it even when he came in for his pitstop. It was stuck on the front splitter plate.

Did any of the other teams have new updates for this race?

[Monstrobolaxa]

Well having the leading edge pointing down....I'd say it could work as a small diffuser/wing (caused by the decrease of pressure underneth)....creating some downforce. ...! If that isn't the function probably it's used to change the airflow (though I don't see in which way the airflow change will give an advantage to the overall performance of the car)! So I still believe it's a small downforce generator.

Yes I noticed the plastic bag....but don't forget that the bag got stuck on the lap that he came into the pits....so the pit crew was already in the pit lane....and probably nobody saw it on the telly!

[Guest]

I think it just smooths the turbulant air into more of a laminar flow, which is what you would want as the air enters the diffuser.

[Guest]

so how does it make the flow more laminar?

[Monstrobolaxa]

For me with the tip pointing down it will create vorticity....that is why for me it works like a small diffuser.

[scarbs]

The axe head plates have been on the car since monaco and the revised shape of the plates from a few races later.