FORUMula1.com - F1 Forum

[vlad]

They are smarter, it just as simple as that.

[scotty]

Just saw this pic:



That wing is clearly flexing as well, so no grounds for anyone to complain.

[vlad]

[Jensonb]

I would LOVE too learn what the loophole is because if they are banned as Gaz mention the RB is still flexing which atleast to me is cut and dry but hey innovation has returned to F1 so cool.

The loophole that allows flexi-wings is fairly simple. The rule defines itself in terms of the static test. The test is not representative of the forces acting on the wing when the car is in motion. Ergo, the flexi-wing is legal but still provides the advantage the rule was designed to prevent.

[CarBore]

I really hate this complaining about other teams advantages. It's not like the ddd level of ridiculousness. The rule state it cannot move more than x under x loading conditions. Remember last year when they complained and McLaren ended up failing the new test and had to reinforce their floor. If you aren't fast enough you need to look at your own car not try and slow other cars down by crying about something that had been tested repeatedly and passes.

[texasmr2]

I would LOVE too learn what the loophole is because if they are banned as Gaz mention the RB is still flexing which atleast to me is cut and dry but hey innovation has returned to F1 so cool.

The loophole that allows flexi-wings is fairly simple. The rule defines itself in terms of the static test. The test is not representative of the forces acting on the wing when the car is in motion. Ergo, the flexi-wing is legal but still provides the advantage the rule was designed to prevent.

I'm cool with that.

I really hate this complaining about other teams advantages. It's not like the ddd level of ridiculousness. The rule state it cannot move more than x under x loading conditions. Remember last year when they complained and McLaren ended up failing the new test and had to reinforce their floor. If you aren't fast enough you need to look at your own car not try and slow other cars down by crying about something that had been tested repeatedly and passes.

Less complaining than actually just trying too understand the rules, no biggy really.

[F1er]

[Gaz]

I don't think it's just the load that is important in making the wings flex, but where it is applied. A clever designer could shape the wing to direct the airflow over a key part of the wing which, when subject to that level of force, causes it to flex. Perhaps even several points which must all be under that load in order for this effect, in which case it's likely that the tests carried out when the cars are being scrutinised would not be able to cause the wings to flex.

Note that when it comes to aerodynamics, I haven't really got a clue and that may sound like the most ridiculous thing ever.

Perhaps you can see how important clean airflow to certain parts is with Mclarens side pods.

But in RBRs case I suspect the flexes primary purpose is to create low pressure and create low level ground effect.

[racechick]

I read that they have included a new material in the stuff the front wing is made of that allows it to flex when needed but revert to normal and pass all tests(sorry, cant do that any more technical than that). cant be detected, cant be copied.

[Fred_C_Dobbs]

Carbonfibre materials can be tuned to exhibit differential and direction-specific moduli of flex. The appear to have cooked up a composite structure that experiences greater deflection under linear loads than lateral loads. The static test applies a lateral load but the wind's loading is linear.

[racechick]

Carbonfibre materials can be tuned to exhibit differential and direction-specific moduli of flex. The appear to have cooked up a composite structure that experiences greater deflection under linear loads than lateral loads. The static test applies a lateral load but the wind's loading is linear.

Yes. I meant that.

[darwin dali]

...but ok, whatever soothes the minds of people

[killem2]

I was confused at first, but if the rule is that is can flex no more than X under Y conditions then that's ok. If it's passes then who are we to play arm chair experts.

[Jensonb]

I was confused at first, but if the rule is that is can flex no more than X under Y conditions then that's ok. If it's passes then who are we to play arm chair experts.

Well, the rule is flawed. It's intended purpose is the same as the ban on Active Moveable Aerodynamic devices. But because of the loophole, it's not entirely effective.

[spankyham]

I've got to say that I'm glad at least one person has come out and directly questioned the Red Bull 2011 front wing. Well done Lewis.

On Sunday (just before the race) I posted on this twice ( here and here ) with some very telling images. The pictures and graphics (some examples below) from this article I referred to clearly show the whole of the nose section of the RB actually changing shape (which is definitely illegal as far as I'm concerned). And, just as Lewis points out in his article (reproduced below) we all saw the pictures of their front wing dipping ridiculously low and close to the tarmac in Melbourne.

Hamilton questions RBR front wing
Tuesday 29th March 2011

Lewis Hamilton insists Red Bull's controversial front wing flexes more than the rules allow.

The Milton Keynes team's wing caused a major storm at last year's German Grand Prix and the FIA was forced introduced heavier flex tests. Red Bull's cars passed the deflection tests and they've had no problems since then.

However, Hamilton has brought the issue back into the spotlight after Sebastian Vettel put in a dominant display at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix.

"Did you see Vettel's front wing?" he is quoted by Bild "It bends down to the ground and gives him about half a second. Either we [FIA] close this loophole or we [McLaren] copy it."

According to German paper, McLaren are considering lodging a protest with motor sport's governing body over the issue.

Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko hit back at accusations that their front wing is illegal, saying the whole saga is becoming "boring".

"They try it again and again.. And we pass each test."