Vodaphone McLaren Mercedes MP4-24

[bonjon1979]

Just the section where it says

There were indications that McLaren may already have done that and the car that was presented to the scrutineers on Thursday was not unlike the three cars that were challenged.

Other than what's been speculated on the forums I think this is the first time that I've read that Mclaren had a diffuser similar to those that were contested, ie a double decker. I may be wrong though.

[ben_watkins]

It's official...or is it...

http://www.grandprix.com/ns/ns21284.html

They can race.. http://www.f1technical.net/news/11894 - the stewards say they legal, although there is an appeal in place that will not be heard until after Apr 5 http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsp ... 965056.stm

[nudger]

i suspect that its just some journo adding 2 and 2 and getting 5, just because mclaren were not one of the objectees.

[bonjon1979]

i suspect that its just some journo adding 2 and 2 and getting 5, just because mclaren were not one of the objectees.

Cursed journo's! I think you're probably right.

It would be a little bit crazy to bring a never used diffuser to the first race of the season. Then again, that thing with all the holes, gaps etc on the back of the mclaren they rolled into the scrutineers looked like a dogs dinner and I can't believe any F1 team would have that as their finished product, let alone Mclaren.

Truth be told, I don't know what to think, I'm going to tune into practice online tho to find out!

[myurr]

i suspect that its just some journo adding 2 and 2 and getting 5, just because mclaren were not one of the objectees.

Cursed journo's! I think you're probably right.

It would be a little bit crazy to bring a never used diffuser to the first race of the season. Then again, that thing with all the holes, gaps etc on the back of the mclaren they rolled into the scrutineers looked like a dogs dinner and I can't believe any F1 team would have that as their finished product, let alone Mclaren.

Truth be told, I don't know what to think, I'm going to tune into practice online tho to find out!

It's not that crazy to bring a new diffuser to a race if you've been struggling for pace as McLaren have. If it's the difference between running in the points or not, then it's worth the risk.

And I'm pretty sure that a team like McLaren will have done their homework on this design. It's quite likely that it's been in the works for a few weeks, and they certainly completed the last test with a blocked off version of this design so they know they have a plan b. They can test with the diffuser blocked off to get a base line and then open it up and make sure it works.

Only question mark is how this will affect their engine quota - if they have to do a lot of running with this engine then that might be bad. Wouldn't be so bad later in the season when they can use old engines for more of their testing.

[bonjon1979]

i suspect that its just some journo adding 2 and 2 and getting 5, just because mclaren were not one of the objectees.

Cursed journo's! I think you're probably right.

It would be a little bit crazy to bring a never used diffuser to the first race of the season. Then again, that thing with all the holes, gaps etc on the back of the mclaren they rolled into the scrutineers looked like a dogs dinner and I can't believe any F1 team would have that as their finished product, let alone Mclaren.

Truth be told, I don't know what to think, I'm going to tune into practice online tho to find out!

It's not that crazy to bring a new diffuser to a race if you've been struggling for pace as McLaren have. If it's the difference between running in the points or not, then it's worth the risk.

And I'm pretty sure that a team like McLaren will have done their homework on this design. It's quite likely that it's been in the works for a few weeks, and they certainly completed the last test with a blocked off version of this design so they know they have a plan b. They can test with the diffuser blocked off to get a base line and then open it up and make sure it works.

Only question mark is how this will affect their engine quota - if they have to do a lot of running with this engine then that might be bad. Wouldn't be so bad later in the season when they can use old engines for more of their testing.

I hope you're right! (there should be a praying emoticon for times like these.)

[Roland Ehnström]

There is: [-o<

[bonjon1979]

I thought that was the sarcastic slow hand clap... [-o<

[nudger]

And I'm pretty sure that a team like McLaren will have done their homework on this design. It's quite likely that it's been in the works for a few weeks, and they certainly completed the last test with a blocked off version of this design so they know they have a plan b. They can test with the diffuser blocked off to get a base line and then open it up and make sure it works.

Only question mark is how this will affect their engine quota - if they have to do a lot of running with this engine then that might be bad. Wouldn't be so bad later in the season when they can use old engines for more of their testing.

if you are to believe what mclaren say, and are saying amoungst themselves, the problem is they havnt done enough homework. to quote them, the car is under developed. they say they didnt even realise they were in trouble untill 2 weeks ago. i think they have made some good progress, and it will be fascinating to see if they have dragged themselves up the field in such a short time....but i dont believe for a moment there is some great salvation that has been masked off untill the final moment.
still, not long to wait to find out i guess

[Shaddock]

Good photo of the front suspension.

[imightbewrong]

Some of the KERS batteries located at the bottom of the side pod:

[DM0407]

Can someone explain the difference between the Mac and Brawn rear wing end plates?






The Mclaren has many more openings for air to seep out the end plates. Is this by design or an issue with the wing stalling?

[myurr]

Can someone explain the difference between the Mac and Brawn rear wing end plates?

The Mclaren has many more openings for air to seep out the end plates. Is this by design or an issue with the wing stalling?

It's by design - I believe it helps make more effective use of the entire width of the wing.

Another interesting photo appearing to show that McLaren are running with the top deck of the diffuser closed off. Maybe they require further new parts for the front of the car to make it work properly when opened?

[peroa]

It looks like rather un-even tyre wear between the left and right rear wheels. The one on the right seems to wear much closer to the body than the other. This might just be because the pitlane is not horizontal. I don't think the car has been out on track yet has it?

Tyrewear on the way to thursday scrutineering ...

[allstaruk08]

I just watched the practice session on the BBC website and the commentators said they saw the Mclaren team carrying big boxes and jokingly said "is that your new diffuser" and they said "what do you think". Do you think they will run a different diffuser like the one's from Toyota, Williams and Brawn? its not like they have much to lose from it or just run Hamilton's car with a new diffuser since Kovalainen got fifth place. Whats your thoughts, should they try something different or just stick to what they have and see the race out and hope one of the drivers get into the points.