Technical innovation is what makes Formula 1 so different from any other form of racing. The on track action is as much played out by the engineers and aerodynamicists as it is the drivers. We are here to admire, study, and discuss this beauty that exists on the ragged edge of what we think is possible, or at least what we thought was possible.
For more technical intrigue, be sure to check out this year's previous testing days.
Discussions and questions are welcomed and encouraged in the comments section below.
Red Bull
Notice the slots in the floor and the elongated strake leading up to the edge of the tire. These are what the teams have to now run, somewhat in excess due to the loss of the blown diffuser in an attempt to deal with tire squirt, the turbulent air running off the rotation of the tires.
The red arrow above is pointing to venting outlets that were made in a hurry. Red Bull, and their engine manufacturer Renault, are having quite a bit of trouble in Jerez; the former for cooling issues, and the latter with engine problems.
Mercedes
W05 rear end detail.
Ferrari
Rumor is that the Ferrari powered cars have the easiest time dealing with cooling; this is why Ferrari can sun such small sidepod and airscoop inlets relative to the rest of the field.
A small opening at the rear of the sidepods, just before the cooling exit, has appeared on the F14T.
McLaren
Some overhead shots of McLaren's Wishbone Wings, Butterfly Suspension, Shroomspension, or whatever you want to call it, that came out from under the covers on day 2 of testing.
It becomes a bit easier to visualize how these aerodynamically designed wishbones work from this angle.
MP4-29 rear end detail. Along with the Shroomspension helping to replicate the beam wing in creating a conglomerate stream of upwash in coalition with the rear wing and diffuser, the Y75 winglet modified flow from the exhaust also helps to a degree.
Force India
The VJM07 pitot tube testing. Interestingly enough, the tubes seem to be pointing a bit inward, something I've not typically seen.
VJM07 rear end detail.
Sauber
Sauber, along with Marussia, do not seem to be running a vertical strake at the corner of the sidepods.
Sauber are also running a Ferrari engine, and can get away with running substantially less cooling vents than either a Renault or Mercedes powered chassis.
Williams
Another rumor circling the paddock is that Williams will be running a Martini liveried chassis come the first race in Bahrain, though they will continue to run this blue paint up until the end of testing.
FW36 front wing detail.
FW36 rear end detail.
Marussia
MR03 front wing and nose detail.
Caterham
an interesting view inside the cockpit of the CT05 chassis.
CT05 rear end detail.
[select images from Somers F1]
Shroomspension
The Woking based Formula 1 team, McLaren, have recently revealed their new innovative suspension to the world during pre-season testing in Jerez,… Read…
F1 Technical on Oppo - Jerez Testing Day 4