A concept for the future of Formula One
In the light of the quickly changing environment in which engineers have to design a racing car in Formula One, Fioravanti has made a study on what might be the future of a high performance racer. It has become an "out-of-the-box" case study with the environment in mind.
The new vehicle is not meant to make it to production but is an "idea" that aims to show how green but still technically interesting racing can be in the short future. The Italian design firm believes that the current economic crisis is the ideal moment to also revise the concept of Formula One. The proposed solution includes an increased coupling with research to road cars production, making the races more interesting with more overtaking manoeuvres still maintaining the Grand Prix a the top of the media global events.
The vehicle has been designed referring to the next 1.800 cc. turbo engines as recently proposed for the 2012 regulations. With this has been possible to define a very compact bodywork with less aerodynamic drag and turbulences. Additional power is delivered from an advanced KERS solution which relates closer to road car technology than current systems.
Radiators and intercoolers are designed with forced air using fans in order to reduce the front wheels drag. 18” rims and tyres with dimensions more similar to the road and racing GT cars, allowing the use of braking systems similar to the ones utilized in the high performance road cars.
Aerodynamically the car has been designed to reduce the aerodynamic drag and turbulence. This goal has been reached by taking advantage of the ground effect in an innovative manner. The traditional front and rear wings have been removed and made part of the car itself. The front wing uses its proximity to the ground to efficiently create downforce while the wheel shields help reduce the drag. Rear downforce is taken care of by a low positioned rear wing, somehow similar to the idea of the Lotus 80.
Fioravanti have also included active suspension to its car as that will allow a constant ride height and optimal downforce from the diffuser. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) on the other hand proved the team that its car generates a good enough wake behind it to allow for decent overtaking possibilities.
