20 replies to this topic

[GrumpyYoungMan]

Front wing flexing is a topic that's never far from the headlines in Formula 1, and from the Canadian Grand Prix another loophole has been closed by the FIA.

This latest rules clarification applies to the front wing flaps that have been clearly deflecting at speed.

Up until now the front wing flap angle has not been subject to a specific test and thus open to differing interpretations by the teams.

 

The FIA's most recent technical directive applies a new test. Along the trailing edge of the flap, a 60N load is applied and the wing must deflect no more than 3mm.

While the 60N load is not significant in relation to the actual wing loadings, this will at least force every team to review its front wing stiffness.

 

Although there's an advantage to be gained with these wing designs, it's unlikely the new test will alter the teams' pace relative to each other.

Source

 

What team (if any) will be most effected by this new test?

Edited by GrumpyYoungMan, 27 May 2015 - 11:57.

[SenorSjon]

Ah come on. Two wing elements max, sections may not pass the tip of the nose in height. Wing must fit between the front wheels. 

 

Maybe we then could forgo the whole miniature cities currently being build on the wings.

[pdac]

Source

 

What team (if any) will be most effected by this new test?

 

As we all know, new tests are never brought in until those affected have had time to make whatever adjustments are needed to pass. I doubt you'll see much difference in any teams performance that can be attributed to this.

[GrumpyYoungMan]

As we all know, new tests are never brought in until those affected have had time to make whatever adjustments are needed to pass. I doubt you'll see much difference in any teams performance that can be attributed to this.

I agree, but who was/are the guilty team(s)? Is it Red Bull again?

[OO7]

it's just going to open another can of worms - IMHO

the test itself isn't so much "new", as there was already the "stick test" in place, and we may remember the discussions about it, when RBR was found to "fail" said test last year.

Now, this clarification, casts the test "in stone", and give the teams something concrete to aim for. 60N normal to the leading edge of the flap no more then 3 vertical delection.

The FIA, just backed themself into another corner, teams will rock up with flaps who deflect within the margins when said load is applied in said way, and then afterwards it's a "free for all" again.

I think it is a step in the right direction and they'll simply move the goal posts if necessary in the future.

[superq7]

I agree, but who was/are the guilty team(s)? Is it Red Bull again?

 

More than likely.

[HeadFirst]

I agree, but who was/are the guilty team(s)? Is it Red Bull again?

 

Not Red Bull this time, not enough power in the Renault to make even tissue paper flex.

[OO7]

Nose cameras have shown the Williams cars displaying significant deflection.

[Exb]

Nose cameras have shown the Williams cars displaying significant deflection.

Wasn't it Williams who Red Bull also accused of 'bending the rules' when they got chucked out of Abu Dhabi quali last year?

Can't remember if the FIA also checked the car and passed it or not???

[DaddyCool]

FIA is only ~5 years late with this.

 

Better late than never I guess

[tifosi]

Just standardized the front and rear wings already in such a way as to allow following cars to run right up the ass of the guy in front.

[Claudiu]

Just standardized the front and rear wings already in such a way as to allow following cars to run right up the ass of the guy in front.

 

Sure an then standardize the cars and the engines and rename it to Formula 1 Standardized  and everyone will be happy ? LOL     

[Baddoer]

Ban front wings.  I wonder how they will compensate for loosing downforce 

[Seanspeed]

Hopefully this finally ends Red Bull's domination.

[baddog]

A camera shot showed Ferrari's wing bouncing around, for what that is worth.

[oetzi]

Yeah, the Ferrari wing has looked a bit wobbly when I've seen it. Did come to mind. Probably just because of color though, the shades of grey/navy/whatever must make it a lot harder to see on most cars.

Or they're just big cheats.

[Jerem]

From the article on Autosport, it's basically all teams that have flexi-wings.

 

http://www.autosport...t.php/id/119184

[oetzi]

I'm sure they do, but some might work better than others.

[EthanM]

The test is specific to this type of flex

 

 

 

(look at how the elements move relative to the bottom part of the wing)

[oetzi]

Well, it certainly appears to flex a bit.

 

Will the test measure upward deflection, or just down?

[EthanM]

Well, it certainly appears to flex a bit.

 

Will the test measure upward deflection, or just down?

 

that's not a new pic, it's from last year's Monaco GP. I just used it cause it's the most obvious illustration I remembered of what the test it trying to stop.