Mercedes Rear Wing F-Duct Deemed Legal

Mercedes Rear Wing F-Duct Deemed Legal


The Brackley based German team have had a stoke or good luck going into the season opener in Melbourne, Australia. There radical rear wing f-duct has been passed legal by the FIA after being highly questioned by rival teams throughout winter testing.

Mercedes only ran there 2012 spec car during two or the three preseason tests raising suspicions from Christian Horner & other team principles that the 2009 constructors world champions had a device up there sleeve. The W03 performed strongly during both tests in Barcelona confirming thoughts that the team has made a step forward this season and will be able to compete for strong finishes from the opening round of the 2012 championship.

The rear wing f-duct device works when the driver activates the drag reduction system (DRS). The air is vented through the endplates and into the rear wings main plane drastically reducing drag and creating a higher top speed in a straight line.

At the end of the 2010 Formula 1 season the FIA introduced a rule banning the use of driver operated f-ducts. This meant the old style activated f-ducts were strictly not allowed anymore but the new Mercedes style was because it was not operated by a move of the driver.

The controversy came after a meeting at the beginning of last season (2011) when it was clearly said driver operated devices were not allowed anymore. Although accordingly stated clearly a percentage of teams left the meeting believing that all f-duct systems were banned until told otherwise. This was not true.

"There was then a lengthy discussion in the TWG at the beginning of last year about that, to make sure everyone was clear about it. It seems a couple of teams went away from that meeting with the impression that F-ducts were banned in general. Whatever an F-duct is. But they are not."

Despite rivals clearly being unhappy with this, Mercedes are allowed to use there design & if a success others will be forced to copy and produce there own rear wing f-duct.

"Despite the way the system effectively makes use of driver movement when he activates the DRS, the FIA has no doubts that it complies with the regulations."

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Source & quotes from http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/98035

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Alonso "A Lot of Work Needed"

Alonso "A Lot of Work Needed"


Spaniard Fernando Alonso has stated that Scuderia Ferrari Team & himself  need to work on there understanding of the F2012. The Italian based team seemingly struggled during preseason testing this season whilst trying to learn about there new car and its "radical" design.

Alonso has also stated he needs to adapt to the new car and tyres as the lack of rear downforce & softer compounds of Pirelli tyres is proving difficult. The 2012 spec cars have a lot less rear grip due to banning of off-throttle blown exhaust. The Pirelli tyres have also made all there compounds softer meaning quicker loss of grip and the tyre manufacture has also closed the gaps between each tyre compound.

"We definitely still need to improve a lot, working on our understanding of the F2012, adapting my driving style to a new car which, with the loss of aerodynamic downforce at the rear and the new Pirelli tyres, is a bit harder to drive."

Along with Fernando stating the team needs to work hard to get the F2012 to the front of the grid Technical Director Pat Fry has ruled out a podium chance for the team in Melbourne due to the lack of understanding of the new car. Stefano Domenicali has also been quoted as saying the new exhaust design will not be ready until late may - which is roughly where the Monaco Grand Prix is scheduled. 

The 2005 & 2006 world drivers champion has tried to calm the tifosi's nerves by saying no one can tell the true pace of any team until Qualifying arrives at Albert Park.

"I know the fans always expect to hear me say that we can obtain such and such a result, but the truth is that we cannot say with certainty where we are. We must wait until Saturday evening at six, after qualifying."

Despite the continuing worries coming out of the 16 time constructors champion team rivals are refusing to rule the Italians out of the championship and a race win in Melbourne. There has been just as much media reporting Ferrari as sandbagging in preseason testing than there has been as labeling them off pace.

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Source & quotes from http://www1.skysports.com/formula-1/news/24184/7592995/Alonso-A-lot-of-work-needed

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