BRAZIL 2008 : Technical News

McLaren MP4-23 - revised rear wing

For the final race of the season in Brazil, McLaren have introduced a completely new rear wing. The flap has two outer extensions, which jut out to the main profile's entry edge (see inset and green arrow). Each triangular protrusion partially covers the main profile, thereby creating a channel for the airflow. In comparison to the previous version, the distance between the main profile and flap has been increased to generate higher pressure not just around the extensions but over the entire wing. The change allows the angle of the flap to be reduced so as to boost the car's performance at top speeds, whilst maintaining efficient levels of downforce through the slower sections of the anti-clockwise Interlagos circuit.

McLaren MP4 -23 - brake cooling drum development

Introduced a few races back and used again in Brazil is this evolution of McLaren's brake cooling drums. Previously the drums were open, with the brake disc not included within the carbon fibre cover, leaving the edge of the disc and its outer face open to the inducted airflow. Now the drum assembly has been completely changed, following a trend common to Ferrari and BMW Sauber. The closed drum reduces aero disruption, but does tend to increase the working temperature of the brake assembly, including the disc, pads and calliper. This increases the tendency for the front wheels to lock under heavy braking - noticeable in Brazil, where Hamilton flat-spotted a tyre in Friday's second session. McLaren have changed the material in the coupling between disc and pads, but it's not clear whether concerns have completely disappeared.

Williams FW30 - rear double winglets development

Not a big change, but this is just one of a many subtle modifications brought by the team to Brazil. The team wanted to find ways to increase downforce at the rear, without altering the angle of the rear wing, which is especially important at Interlagos as all teams need to improve straight-line speed for the long, uphill start-finish straight, whilst also enhance grip in the twisty sections of the Interlagos track. By slightly increasing the surface area of the additional winglet placed underneath the main flip-ups (yellow arrow), Williams hope they have improved the management of airflow close to the rear wheels, reducing the disruption caused by the wheels' rotation. This will improve aero efficiency particularly near the rear wing, providing some additional downforce.

Williams FW30 - front wing development

For Brazil, Williams have modified the FW30's front wing. Both the main profile and the middle flap now feature a curved 'step' at their extremities (see inset and yellow highlighted area), instead of the previous straight versions. This change helps to improve the airflow in this area, increasing its speed and thus slightly increasing the pressure. This provides a downforce gain, without the need to increase the angle of the flaps, which would add drag, robbing the car of top speed.