Front Wing for 2007 - still two schools...

[Jeff]

Now that all cars have been launched ( except Super Aguri ), it's interessing to see that there is two schools for the front wing for the 2007 cars, so far...
Majority of teams are with twin plane front wing but Red Bull, STR, Mc Laren and Spyker have gone for a triple plane
Obviously all this is subject to change as latest aero package will only be fitted during last test session or 1st session in Melbourne, so more to follow...

[Lightning McQueen]

Hello Jeff,

for my understanding there are two schools not only for the front wing,
but also for the front suspension mounting.
"Zero keel" vs. "Twin keel" or Adrian Newey vs. Rest of World.
It will be interesting see if the Adrian's way will be succesfull in this season where Bridgestone is the only tires supplier.
Personally I think that this solution should make the car easier to drive.
The layout could have a better roll centre location, this might be crucial when linked to the rear roll centre location to manage the Bridgestone rear tyre degradation problem.
But the integration with Renault engine is still far from perfection . . . .

Lightning McQueen

[Jeff]

Well, you have to consider that the team has started RB3 from a clean sheet of paper.
As there was no rule change this year, most of teams have made evolution on their wind tunnel models, but RB has built a fully new model which is more demanding. So they just need more time, as everything is fairly different from past concepts for the team.
Most of teams have gone so far for zero keel or V-keel, as there was clearly an aero advantage, but the twin keel option from RB has been well integrated trough little winglets.
I just believe that this is an option that will give them more freedom for mechanical adjustments and setup, based on the fact that they didn't have so far much running and experience on the Bridge tyres.

[Lightning McQueen]

. . . and what about the BMW's "2.5" front wings ?

[Jeff]

Let say this is a typical double-plane wing as run by many others teams, added from some upper winglets as introduced by Renault 2 years ago. I do believe that these forward mounted front winglets will appear on various double-plane wings during the season, either shorth lenght as for BMW or full length as on the Renault.

[Lightning McQueen]

Jeff look at this,
here what I mean when talk of "2.5" wings.
I'm not referring to the winglets . . . .

[Jeff]

Hi man,
I would simply suspect that this oppening on the upper flap just below the front nose to play a key role to avoid any detachment of the airflow on that area.
Opening a slot gap there will help any problem like this.
That's also the reason why some teams choose the triple plane, just making life easier with less risk of trouble with airflow. But obviously it's not so simple to decide as twin plan should give you more downforce, and efficiency.
I would still consider this front wing as a double-plane wing

[eragon]

Hello to everybody,

but then is true.... all these discussions about aerodynamics question (besides v v interesting) is because this year the engine won't be so critical for cause of the new rules; therefore will be advantage the teams that work hard and well on tunnel wind with many hours of wind test.

In your opinion this year how many in percentage is the critical importance of: aerodynamic, chassis, engine and driver? Maybe 50% + 20% + 10% + 20%??

Cheers.
eragon.

[livia]

it's always the same old challenge...what is more important? engine? aerodynamics? frame and suspensions? electronics??...drivers???
To be honest the new rule is a complete no sense because it's absurd to try to stop the continuous innovation in mechanics and engines! that is the most interesting part of F1!! I would live anyone to decide everything about the whole car, from the aero to the engine...and let the teams spend the money they receive from their sponsors where they want!!
We use to say: "no money no race!", so if you have sponsors and money you can race, as you want, if you haven't chose another job!
Only if we leave complete freedom do those brilliant engineers we will enjoy again this boring racing...and hopefully we will see again a show.. and some overtaking!
Last but not least: have you seen some driver somewhere?? I see only robots walking around like zombies in the paddock...and driving like ladies...do you remember Gilles and his passion??

Cheers, Livia

[Lightning McQueen]

Originally Posted by eragon

In your opinion this year how many in percentage is the critical importance of: aerodynamic, chassis, engine and driver? Maybe 50% + 20% + 10% + 20%??

Eragon,
for me the percentage are : 45% + 25% + 20% + 10%
Am I too "bad" with the drivers ?
I agree with Livia when she says that there aren't driver with the "balls".

Originally Posted by jeff

I would simply suspect that this oppening on the upper flap just below the front nose to play a key role to avoid any detachment of the airflow on that area.
Opening a slot gap there will help any problem like this.

Jeff,
...and if the opening adjust and "canalize" the flow just under the "zero" keel to have as much clean flow as possible in that zone before the air going under the tub without have the full opening of a third plane wing ?

Ciao,
LMcQ