[Team] The 2012 Ferrari

[Marbot]

The new Ferrari. Interesting bits in front of the side-pods.

http://www.auto.it/autosprint/formul...+martedi+su+AS

[phoenix]

According to Babel Fish:

"In the design, the detail of the new fins integrated in the shockproof structure and that they are inspired to those of the McLaren Mp4-26 (to right)"

[Sodemo]

Aren't the front wings narrower this year?

[Marbot]

Originally Posted by Sodemo

Aren't the front wings narrower this year?

Nope. Only change to the front of the cars is that the nose has got to be lower.

In 2014, the cars will have 1650mm wide front wings instead of 1800mm wide front wings.

[TF110]

Good for this year with the lower noses and good for getting back to the normal sized wings is a plus in my book. Bring on 2014! But before that, bring on 2012! Can't wait to see the sidepod solutions the teams go for.

[Teretonga]

Originally Posted by TF110

Good for this year with the lower noses and good for getting back to the normal sized wings is a plus in my book. Bring on 2014! But before that, bring on 2012! Can't wait to see the sidepod solutions the teams go for.

We'll see how this season shapes up after the first two tests and then again after Australia.

One thing I noted looking at the Ferrari is the size of the flat floor. It obvious an advantage to have that great big slab of carbon fibre extending outside the pods and back alongside the engine even though the bodywork tapers back in well inside the flat floor.
What happens if you can't have the floor extending beyond the bodywork....

A massive reduction in downforce?

[Bononi]

Well, it's not a secret any more... or was it ever a secret at all ?

[luke g28]

Originally Posted by Teretonga

We'll see how this season shapes up after the first two tests and then again after Australia.

One thing I noted looking at the Ferrari is the size of the flat floor. It obvious an advantage to have that great big slab of carbon fibre extending outside the pods and back alongside the engine even though the bodywork tapers back in well inside the flat floor.
What happens if you can't have the floor extending beyond the bodywork....

A massive reduction in downforce?

More of an increase in drag and wake rather than a reduction in downforce. Though obviously downforce would decrease too.

[Marbot]

The extent of the floor is the maximum that is allowed in the regulations. If you see more of it, it is because Ferrari have done a good job of making everything smaller that fits on top of it. The floor provides downforce (low pressure area) along with the diffuser, so it's best to keep it as large as possible for greatest effect.

[Teretonga]

Originally Posted by Marbot

The extent of the floor is the maximum that is allowed in the regulations. If you see more of it, it is because Ferrari have done a good job of making everything smaller that fits on top of it. The floor provides downforce (low pressure area) along with the diffuser, so it's best to keep it as large as possible for greatest effect.

I realise that. What I am suggesting is that teams are not allowed to extend the floor beyond the edge of the body work.

If they wanted a wide flat floor to the max permissible width the body would need to be wider too.
If you wanted a tight waist at the rear you would lose the advantage gained by the wider floor.
If you wanted a wide floor at the rear you would need a wider rear body reminescent of the 76-77 Ferrari 312.

There might be an optimum configuration but there would still be greater design compromise.
At the moment therre is little real design compromise at all.

Creating rules that force greater design compromise creates greater opportunity for the alternative innovative solution to the compromise to come to the fore because it forces designers to think outside the existing paradigms. Theres more scope for the outside the box solution to emerge, outside the box thinking to be rewarded.

[Inigo Montoya]

It reminds me of the old Barnard type of coca cola bottle design. The winglets in front of the sidepods are unusual, for sure.

At least the bump on the nose is less pronounced than that hideous Caterham.

[Marbot]

Originally Posted by Teretonga

What I am suggesting is that teams are not allowed to extend the floor beyond the edge of the body work.

If they wanted a wide flat floor to the max permissible width the body would need to be wider too.

And then you get into the technicalities as to what constitutes 'bodywork'. A thin sheet of body coloured carbon fibre covering the areas of the floor that are visible, could technically be 'bodywork'.

[Wims]

Originally Posted by Teretonga

I realise that. What I am suggesting is that teams are not allowed to extend the floor beyond the edge of the body work.

If they wanted a wide flat floor to the max permissible width the body would need to be wider too.
If you wanted a tight waist at the rear you would lose the advantage gained by the wider floor.
If you wanted a wide floor at the rear you would need a wider rear body reminescent of the 76-77 Ferrari 312.

There might be an optimum configuration but there would still be greater design compromise.
At the moment therre is little real design compromise at all.

Creating rules that force greater design compromise creates greater opportunity for the alternative innovative solution to the compromise to come to the fore because it forces designers to think outside the existing paradigms. Theres more scope for the outside the box solution to emerge, outside the box thinking to be rewarded.

This sounds like a terrible and artificial rule, but on the other hand, f1 is all about artificial rules, so it would probably fit right in.

[bjohnsonsmith]

Originally Posted by Inigo Montoya

It reminds me of the old Barnard type of coca cola bottle design. The winglets in front of the sidepods are unusual, for sure.

The winglets are an interesting feature but I wonder how long it will take before they are banned?

It is very reminiscent of the John Barnard cars.

[Casper]

Originally Posted by bjohnsonsmith

The winglets are an interesting feature but I wonder how long it will take before they are banned?

It is very reminiscent of the John Barnard cars.

Not to be the cynic but when was the last time Ferrari AKA F1 had something declared illegal? I don't follow these things closely but I would think it would be a rare thing to happen seeing as they reckon F1 can't do without them. They threw a tantrum when it a four cylinder motor was envisaged and got that thrown out, such is their influence. I wonder how much influence they along with others had on the recent Lotus decision? There I go being cynical again.

[bjohnsonsmith]

Originally Posted by Casper

Not to be the cynic but when was the last time Ferrari AKA F1 had something declared illegal? I don't follow these things closely but I would think it would be a rare thing to happen seeing as they reckon F1 can't do without them. They threw a tantrum when it a four cylinder motor was envisaged and got that thrown out, such is their influence. I wonder how much influence they along with others had on the recent Lotus decision? There I go being cynical again.

I was thinking on the lines of the blown diffuser and the F-Duct. As soon as one team comes up with something that's too their advantage, all the other teams complain, want it to be banned and in the interim copy it.

[fourWheelDrift]

Originally Posted by bjohnsonsmith

I was thinking on the lines of the blown diffuser and the F-Duct. As soon as one team comes up with something that's too their advantage, all the other teams complain, want it to be banned and in the interim copy it.

Ferrari don't innovate so we don't really know if they would have things banned if they did.

Ferrari's modus operandi is to copy everything and throw so much money at it that they can refine it to the point where it's better than the original.

[Inigo Montoya]

Originally Posted by fourWheelDrift

Ferrari don't innovate so we don't really know if they would have things banned if they did.

Ferrari's modus operandi is to copy everything and throw so much money at it that they can refine it to the point where it's better than the original.

I see ten tenths hasn't changed much since I left.

Anyhow, I guess we shall see tomorrow how accurate that auto sprint drawing was. They had to cancel the launch due to snow, so it'll be web only.

[Bononi]

Hey old friend how are you doing !

[Inigo Montoya]

Very well thanks Bon!

F1 has become exciting again, with all these great young drivers and the Pirelli tyres adding to the excitement.

Unfortunately for you guys, I'm back to cause trouble this season

[Bononi]

Welcome back, we're needing posters like you !

[Mr V]

Off sets posters like me

[steve nielsen]

the new Ferrari does'nt seem to be very aerodynamic

[Marbot]

Is this what they meant by being less conservative?

[Ultimo]

Good to have another Canuck around. Welcome back!