Sunday, July 24, 2005
GERMANY GRAND PRIX 2005 - TECHNICAL ANALYSIS
FIA FORMULA ONE 2005 CHAMPIONSHIP - GERMANY GRAND PRIX
In Germany, this additional fin, introduced a few races back, takes on a vertical edge at its rearmost point. This helps to manage even more accurately the way airflow is directed to the rear of the car, in particular over the side section of the diffuser. The 2005 rules have dramatically reduced aero efficiency and downforce in this area, so every little thing is considered in a bid to claw back the subsequent loss of grip.
McLaren MP4-20 - rear wing development
A hugely modified design for Germany. The all-new main profile still bends upwards, but its profile is narrower and is connected to completely revised endplates, featuring three horizontal slits (1), as seen now on many cars. The front edge of the endplate bends slightly rearwards (2) and the rear-most corner of the wing sports a deep cut, to reduce the turbulence generated by air exiting the main profile. Finally, the flap of the wing features a central Gurney tab (3) to increase downforce.
McLaren MP4-20 - front wing development
A completely new aero package for Germany. The front wing's main profile loses 6cm in width, which is transferred to the bottom of the endplates, with their knife-edge rounded profile. The endplate's horizontal fin, introduced in Canada, is also wider. The overall effect, combined with rear wing changes (check back tomorrow for these), is more downforce and sharper turn-in on faster corners.
Toyota TF105 - front wing flap comparison
Toyota are trying two front wing designs in Germany, featuring flaps with different widths and top-edge shapes. The wider flap (top arrow) extends very close to the central spoon, while the top edge of the narrower one (bottom arrow) descends towards the centre of the wing. The wider version adds downforce, but also makes the car more pitch sensitive. Which one to choose depends on the desired balance between the front and rear of the car and between top speed and braking stability
Red Bull RB01 - rear wing slits
Seen at some previous races and back for Germany, these help reduce turbulence and increase the efficiency of the rear wing, hence raising rear grip - crucial for good traction exiting the hairpin after the sweeping left hander in sector two at Hockenheim. Increasingly popular, this solution was first introduced by Toyota at the start of the season.
Ferrari F2005 - barge board development
Part of a new aero package for Germany - revised barge boards in front of the sidepods, sporting a more squared cross section. The extra fin (red arrow), introduced a few races back, has grown and works closely with the other fins at the front edge of the sidepods. This adds some downforce, but its main function is to clean up the air flow to the rear of the car, making for more stable handling.
