- 09 Apr 11, 21:44#250146Ferrari have revealed they are working on a flexy front wing of their own. But I fear that will not solve all their woes.
First, the flexy front wing is not the sole cause for the RB7's pace. What many overlook is that aerodynamic law which states lift is directly proportional to drag. That extra downforce is not free and its accompanying drag is at its greatest where it is needed least: at the fast end of the high-speed straights. In fact, the only place it makes them faster is in the corners. On the straights, it makes them slower.
Second, the front wing is the point of origin for airflow management over the entire car. If the remainder of the car was not designed with the influence of a flexy front wing in mind, it might misdirect airflow so that it's out of proper position by the time it reaches the rear of the car. It could provide extra downforce at the fore but might bugger balance elsewhere. So I see additional "emergency" wind tunnel tests in Ferrari's future (as well as anyone else who looks to copy the RB7).
Third, they might be able to replicate what Newey has done with the front wing but it's highly unlikely they will get sussed what goes on from there back before season's end.
"I'll bet ya a hundred and five thousand dollars you go to sleep before I do."
--Dobbsie