What's Burning? wrote:I think in the end the leverage exerted by the short fulcrum in use is negligible compared to the down force applied. In other words does it take more than X pound to actually lift the front end using the leverage point, and if the wing exerts less than X then there is no lift. The front wing I'm sure could generate MUCH more force if they wanted it merely by changing the angle of attack, but with aero it's always a case of wanting just enough to do exactly what you want without an ounce more of down force risking a net effect of slowing you down. I'm sure there are formulas crunched by engineers during every GP calculating just such things.
I've heard figures bandied about of "tonnes" of down-force created by the rear wing so even if the vector is .5m behind the fulcrum then quite a substantial force at the front is required to establish an equilibrium. Due to the distance in front of the fulcrum the front wing is this would be less than that created by the back wing but still needs to be created. As you say this would result in a slower car.