Red Bull RB8 Renault

[CottrellGP]

In other news - is it not slightly worrying for Red Bull that their last big update came in Valencia, then a smaller update in Silverstone, while Ferrari and McLaren have really been working their development timeline?

I stated this notion somewhere before, but I think Red Bull knew that there was little in the way of countering the top speed of the competition going from after the twisty-sweepy circuits (Monaco to Silverstone) for Spa and Monza. What they didn't expect was the whole debacle with the engine mapping in Germany and into Hungary. Or did they?

What I'm guessing is that Red Bull knew that Spa and Monza were, at best, toss-ups in terms of positions and points and so bypassed them in terms of upgrades. They could be focused more on an improved downforce package for the back half that are more up Red Bull's alley (Singapore to Brazil). They're probably banking on high points in the last 7 races to bring them back from the brink. This may even involve having one of their drivers to "Maintain the gap"....

For all we know, this could have been the strategy all along and we'll see an E-spec that will wipe the floor with the competition. For this fan, I can only hope! [-o<

I totally agree with you there

Also, other than the loss of the EBD from last year, could Red Bull's lack of any real competitiveness in Monza be down to their D-spec sidepod ducting adding some choke drag to the system?

I feel there was definitely a chance to at least try an Acer-Duct/Maclaren solution that would allow more free-flow from the sidepods to the rear than the "tunnel" that they have now. I had wished they had also tested out the A-spec rear package (more akin to Lotus and Mercedes); it seemed to have the potential for less drag. Of course, it probably would've meant less rear downforce, hurting them in the second sector.

[Mika1]

Will Red Bull bring a big package to Singapore?

[RB7ate9]

Will Red Bull bring a big package to Singapore?

Obvious jokes aside. They better bring some serious updates if they want to defend the WCC, not to mention bring either of their drivers higher in the WDC (it really doesn't seem to fit the RB idiom to give up and focus on 2013 at this stage).

I'm thinking Front/Rear wings are a mix because they've had a good package for Monaco. I think the big update will be in the rear packaging. My guess for Singapore and on is that they'll just give up on the ramp/tunnel and slap some Acer ducts or Mclaren Bulges on there. Then add on some swift, ad hoc Lotus "Device" with minor variations on turning vanes, sidepod fins, and diffuser.

[raymondu999]

I think they'll probably bring something big to Singapore. They have been (almost laughably) quiet in recent races, and their last real update was in Valencia for the sidepod ducts, and then a slight detail update to that in Silverstone. Hockenheim-Hungary-Spa-Monza. That's 4 updateless races now.

I doubt Newey would shift focus to the next season just yet, as development this year can carry forward to next year (very minimal regs changes).

I doubt it would be the Acer ducts though. Newey very rarely (in my view) copies other cars, he generally tries to go do things his own way, which has probably bit him more than once in the past. Besides, his current solution is basically the acer duct, extra a coanda ramp. I think probably you'll get a similar level coke bottle effect, and a better exhaust effect because it's not "jumping through" free stream air. Mind you probably a little bit draggy at higher speeds though - I'd imagine at too high speeds the ducts could start to choke. And there is also the boundary layer of the duct to think about.

[RB7ate9]

I doubt it would be the Acer ducts though. Newey very rarely (in my view) copies other cars, he generally tries to go do things his own way, which has probably bit him more than once in the past. Besides, his current solution is basically the acer duct, extra a coanda ramp. I think probably you'll get a similar level coke bottle effect, and a better exhaust effect because it's not "jumping through" free stream air. Mind you probably a little bit draggy at higher speeds though - I'd imagine at too high speeds the ducts could start to choke. And there is also the boundary layer of the duct to think about.

You will have to let the rest of us know what Red Bull brings to the stable

[stefan_]

[techF1LES]

Photo courtesy of: PHOTO4
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[GrizzleBoy]

New four element front wing.

[techF1LES]

New four element front wing.

via @techF1LES

[Forza]

RB8 Flow vis test - Singapore GP - FP3

[AnthonyG]

RB8 Flow vis test - Singapore GP - FP3

Does the air move faster at the V of the rear wing compared to the other sections?

[superdread]

Does the air move faster at the V of the rear wing compared to the other sections?

It is possible that, as the V effectively reduces drag in its area, the air flowing over it is much faster than the air flowing over the rest of the wing, sucking air under the wing (and through the gap) into the middle. Less airflow at the endplates cuts drag.

[raymondu999]

What do we all think the RB8 will perform like in Suzuka? They were somewhat terrible in Sepang and Barcelona, but they were fantastic (at least in race pace) in Spa and Silverstone

[RB7ate9]

Webber will eat his tires too quickly during race, but get into mid-Q3 level. Vettel will be in the upper portion of Q3, but his race pace will depend more on strategy; realistically, I'd like to say podium, but not top step.

RB8's additional development may be seen in Suzuka. Will most likely go to previous front wing (with three elements instead of the quasi-four-element front wing in Singapore). Perhaps new rear wing/diffuser, but no more developments with the tunnel/ramp/exhaust.

[raymondu999]

Interesting. Why do you think they will revert to the older spec front wing? Front downforce is still very important in the high speed direction changes of Suzuka.