- 17 Apr 09, 22:55#108849
Gary Anderson made a point recently that the 'exotic' style of the hubcaps on the McLaren costs them track width at the front - thereby losing them a slight amount of mechanical grip.
Interestingly, he adds that cars can only use the airflow that comes between the front wheels for downforce, although a percentage of that air has to be used for cooling etc. Therefore, less front track = less downforce.
(I've typed out this last bit, couldn't be arsed to do the whole section)
"In the past, 4mm of track width was worth about 1% downforce, or about 1 tenth. This is critical in the current regulations, as the powerful bargeboards are not there to scavenge and improve the airflow in the area under the chassis."
...great bit of insight from him, pointing out another issue with McLaren's car.
Interestingly, he adds that cars can only use the airflow that comes between the front wheels for downforce, although a percentage of that air has to be used for cooling etc. Therefore, less front track = less downforce.
(I've typed out this last bit, couldn't be arsed to do the whole section)
"In the past, 4mm of track width was worth about 1% downforce, or about 1 tenth. This is critical in the current regulations, as the powerful bargeboards are not there to scavenge and improve the airflow in the area under the chassis."
...great bit of insight from him, pointing out another issue with McLaren's car.
Rising number one of Formula 1, Juan - Juan, one wonders should Juan only win one Formula 1 one year, would Juan have won that one in round one, Juan??
