McLaren MP4-23 - reduced radiator inlets
The low ambient temperatures at Spa allow the teams to reduce the venting required for cooling, hence improving the aero efficiency of the cars. McLaren have been able to dramatically reduce their radiator inlets by applying a specially profiled bodywork addition in the lower section of the inlet. The reduction in the size of the openings helps reduce drag and turbulence immediately in front of the sidepods, aiding top-end performance on the Belgian circuit's long straights. Adequate airflow management ensures cooling efficiency is still maintained, hence avoiding any potential reliability problems.
McLaren MP4-23 - revised rear aero package
For Spa McLaren have added side slits to the endplates of the car's sidepod winglets (lower inset circle). Similar to a revision introduced by Renault last year, and already adopted on the MP4-23 in Monaco, they are designed to reduce any extra turbulence generated by the larger Monaco-spec winglets - and consequently ensure maximum downforce gains. In addition, the rear wing sports the same configuration adopted in Canada, with the main profile raised in its central section and its extremities bending downwards slightly towards the endplates. This solution generates not only a medium downforce load, but also less drag compared to the previous configuration. This is important at Spa, where the very long straights highlight the car's top-end performance, while at the same time the more twisty sections emphasise the need for good traction.
Ferrari F2008 - side nose winglets
Ferrari have introduced many subtle changes on the F2008 at Spa. One version of its nose cone sports an interesting, if small, addition. Winglets (inset) have been placed on each side of the nose cone just under the suspension's upper wishbone pick-up points. These have the important function of diverting airflow in a way that generates no turbulence close to the crowded section of the car around the front suspension elements. This is pretty important in terms of drag reduction on Spa's long straights. Without the winglets, the front wing angles adopted here would normally lead to airflow impacting directly against the suspension's upper wishbone, generating huge turbulence.
Ferrari F2008 - revised cooling gills
Ferrari seem to have gone in the opposite direction to McLaren at Spa in terms of cooling management, apparently increasing the F2008's capability in this area, despite the relatively low ambient temperatures. The venting gills on the inner side of the chimneys atop the sidepods have been extended. The profile of the gills manages the airflow passing over the sidepods so as to maximise its efficiency in terms of extracting hot air from the radiators. At the same time, this modification increases the pressure of this portion of airflow, making it more useful to the rear wing's lower profile, hence raising the overall efficiency of the rear wing.
Aucun commentaire:
Enregistrer un commentaire