2012 FIA Formula 1 World Championship Pre-Season Thread

[BrokenVert]

Originally Posted by UltimateBMW

Also, I'm starting to see a trend with the sharpness of the noses on these cars.

I foresee a great number of punctured side-pod radiators.

They arent for aerodynamics at all!


Is F1 turning into deathrace to get more viewers?

[UltimateBMW]

Williams FW34 released.

[E90SLAM]

Oi~ The white trim on the step-nose makes it more ugly....
just hope this concept works...

[BrokenVert]

As a study of aerodynamics, I really dont get these noses. Id love to see the CFD data on these things to figure out what they actually accomplish. I just see loads of drag

[UltimateBMW]

RB8 on track @ Jerez.

[E90SLAM]

Day 1 test in Jerez...

I wonder why HRT and Mercedes GP test with their 2011 cars....I'd guess Merc GP is trying to offset and eliminate the factor of new Pirelli Tires.

[UltimateBMW]

Originally Posted by BrokenVert

As a study of aerodynamics, I really dont get these noses. Id love to see the CFD data on these things to figure out what they actually accomplish. I just see loads of drag

The step isn't areodynamic, it is to meet a minimum front height requirement that created a theoretical "no build zone" that extends all the way back to where the step occurs at.

The reason is said to make it safer for drivers so the nose heights don't excede the side impact height of the sidepod and prevent another car's nose from being able to directly strike a driver's helmet.

The resulting step is from the teams pushing the absolute limit of the rules, as the higher the front nose goes the cleaner the air will be as it hits the main car body and the undertray.

[UltimateBMW]

Man, the MP4-27 looks fantastic.

And the placement on Ferrari's front numbering is hilarious. It's like Massa donning a crown of shame in every forward facing photo!

And then theres HRT, really only a GP2 team.

[E90SLAM]

Originally Posted by UltimateBMW

Man, the MP4-27 looks fantastic.

And the placement on Ferrari's front numbering is hilarious. It's like Massa donning a crown of shame in every forward facing photo!

And then theres HRT, really only a GP2 team.

Poor Massa, 2012 might be his last season in Ferrari, unless he picks up a lot P2 results and just duck behind Alonso. That might keep him the job...

HRT, wasn't there were a few races last year that GP2 lap times are comparable to HRT's???

[gary88]

Originally Posted by BrokenVert

As a study of aerodynamics, I really dont get these noses. Id love to see the CFD data on these things to figure out what they actually accomplish. I just see loads of drag

The airflow on top isn't the issue, the airflow underneath is what matters. Having the step is the best way to maximize the height of the front wing to allow more air to the rear of the car while still meeting new regulations. Exception being McLaren since their car has been designed around a low nose since 2009. From what I understand the step itself is relatively aerodynamically neutral.

[the///Mthree]

Originally Posted by E90SLAM

HRT, wasn't there were a few races last year that GP2 lap times are comparable to HRT's???

That was 2010, this year it was roughly 3 seconds from HRT to GP2.

At least they are attending preseason tests this year..the last 2 years were a complete joke.

[E90SLAM]

"Ferrari, Y U NO FINISH NOSE?"

[gary88]

Every time I see the McLaren after looking at pics of the other cars it's like a breath of fresh air.

[M3_WC]

Originally Posted by E90SLAM

Poor Massa, 2012 might be his last season in Ferrari, unless he picks up a lot P2 results and just duck behind Alonso. That might keep him the job...

About time!

[UltimateBMW]

I just want more of this!

What a beautiful car.

[gary88]

Finnish video from testing today.

[E90SLAM]

Jerez Day 2

The McLaren MP4-27 is beautiful is every angle....

[E90SLAM]

Jerez Day 2 cont'

[ptack]

McLaren looks best without the stepped nose and Ferrari is worst. I would not be surprised if you see them change that nose by the third race if they're not doing well.

Winning matters most, but being slow and ugly would be unforgiveable.

[UltimateBMW]

Originally Posted by ptack

McLaren looks best without the stepped nose and Ferrari is worst. I would not be surprised if you see them change that nose by the third race if they're not doing well.

Winning matters most, but being slow and ugly would be unforgiveable.

I'm fairly certain that McLaren has a 'step-nosed' front wing sitting in their factory somewhere. The structure of the rest of their front chassis looks able to support it.

Just as how any car with a Stepped Nose could fit a normal looking from wing. If you look closely, the break points on all of these cars are all after the stepping geometry.

[UltimateBMW]

Alguersuari speaks out against Toro Rosso.

http://www.jamesallenonf1.com/2012/0...on-toro-rosso/


Sorry, still don't like this guy. Even if he did get a bit of a raw deal.

[E90SLAM]

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