Mercedes AMG F1 W04

[wesley123]

The mass dampers only goal was purely aerodynamic. By utilising the mass to then create less body movement(something like that). It added nothing mechanically, and only aerodynamically by having a more constant front wing position.

Maybe someone can enhance on this, I know it was something like this but my brain isnt working so well atm.

[siskue2005]

the renault masss damper is actually a mechanical thing, which stabilized the car in its pitch and roll
why it was banned coz it ALSO made the front wing stable as it was mounted inside the nose cone!

Teams still use the same mass damper in their cars it is called J Damper...but it is placed inside the suspension mounts etc
so it is Legal
J Damper >>> http://www.f1technical.net/features/10586
so i dont think they can ban Merc's system coz it is purely passive on the suspension, almost like J Dampers

[Mika1]

I have seen a interview during testing that Hamilton said they will bring new updates to Malaysia.

[bhall]

The mass dampers only goal was purely aerodynamic. By utilising the mass to then create less body movement(something like that). It added nothing mechanically, and only aerodynamically by having a more constant front wing position.

Maybe someone can enhance on this, I know it was something like this but my brain isnt working so well atm.

I disagree here. The primary function of the tuned mass damper was to manage tire oscillation in order to maintain a more consistent contact patch. It was legal in 2005, but deemed illegal in 2006 when a certain Italian team had a newly-competitive car whose relative form stood to benefit if its primary rival had its wings clipped, if you know what I mean.

When it comes to a component's legality, it's not necessarily a matter of what the component truly is or what it does; it's about persuading others to believe about it what you want them to believe about it.

It's probably a moot point, though. I've looked around, and the MGP system is likely not what I originally thought it was.

[munudeges]

The mass dampers only goal was purely aerodynamic.

Rubbish. It was a purely mechanical device that stabilised the car very well. Anything like that is going to have a spin-off benefit aerodynamically. It was a pretty silly parallel to draw because you can then argue that any mechanical work on the suspension is an aerodynamic benefit.

[Neno]

Has anybody noticed how frequently sparks were flying from the underside of Kimi's lotus during the race? I assume that means it was running lower and that however this was achieved, this would have assisted with downforce? (do correct me if wrong!). If Lotus are onto something re their ride height then I would hope that this is an area Mercedes could mimic

it's seems lotus copied mercedes famous Fric System.

[Shakeman]

Other than that they need to develop at an alarming rate to try and catch the redbull and lotus.

Given that Lotus was pretty much under the radar until mid race surely replicating how the Lotus works its tyres is the agenda. But...

The interaction between the tyre and track is obviously incredibly complex and requires the right temp in the rubber and the track and the latter was much lower than anticipated which caused the graining. I've just watched NR debrief and he was saying effectively hinting that the unusual cold caught them out and are expecting more pace in Malaysia....unless it's unusually cold there.

[Ferraripilot]

A podium is going to be difficult for any car that is not top 2.
Merc only chance is if the other teams slip up on a few weekends. Other than that they need to develop at an alarming rate to try and catch the redbull and lotus.

Redbull exhausts must be next on the agenda.

I'd wait to establish a pecking order this early, not with track temps being what they were today at least as it was quite cold. MB were excellent during their final stint and they were on mediums. The car seems to be far more friendly on lower loads as W04 was just about the quickest car on track during Lewis' final stint, quicker than Red Bull, Massa and I believe matching Kimi.

In watching the car on heavy loads I see it sliding around a bit more than others, I'm surprised they managed 13 laps on super softs with quite decent degradation really, very respectable performance there.

[toolate]

Whatever is happening I bet Lewis is enjoying not having the fillings rattled out of his head this season as the McLaren was always ridiculously stiff and uncompliant. The Merc looks like beautifully supple in comparison- the 2 in car clips I saw of Lewis and Jenson in Oz amply demonstrating that. I hope there is a lot more to come from this element of the cars performance

[OppositeLock]

It seems like a good front wing can unlock the potential of a car. Lotus, Ferrari and Red Bull are known for experimenting with the front wing. Mercedes pioneered the aperture in the front wing which was evolved by Ferrari into the front wing with slatted edges.
Slatted wings seem to be the trend in F1. We've seen them on the bottom of rear wing end plates. Lotus are featuring them on their barge boards. It may be an idea for Mercedes to investigate. I hope Mercedes aren't feeling complacent with the front wing.

[Mika1]

I rewatched the race again. It's just unbeleivable how Mercedes dropped behind Vet, Mas, Alo and Rai after just few laps. Are they running with much more fuel than others? With empty fueltank they seem to be quite quick.

Some say their coanda exhaust system is the reason they have to run with more fuel. Brawn said this today:

MercedesAMGSpy ‏@MercedesAMGSpy
Mercedes AMG pleased with 2013 Coanda exhaust solution. Brawn: ''Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg feel the difference''.

[morefirejules08]

Why does the coanda exhaust cause increased fuel consumption?

[Richard]

Too much race talk.

I'll clear it up later. In the meantime feel free to continue the conversation here http://www.f1technical.net/forum/viewto ... ead#unread

...


Cleaned up. I'll unlock the thread although I'll miss the thread being so nice and quiet for the last few days.

Remember: If your comment isn't about actual feature on a car then it doesn't belong in a car thread.

[Forza]

Until Richard@ unlocks the car thread is locked I'll post the pictures of Mercedes F1W04 here.
Malaysian GP - Thursday - 21/3/2013

[Mestrades]

Any car update for Sepang?
I think Mercedes have a chance to do a good race (3rd or 4th) this weekend.