F-duct

[Audi Racer]

Might we see the F-duct make it's way to LMP1 with the mandatory shark fin. Or is it forbidden anywhere in the regulations.

[MulsanneMike]

Originally Posted by Audi Racer

Might we see the F-duct make it's way to LMP1 with the mandatory shark fin. Or is it forbidden anywhere in the regulations.

Forbidden, fin can't attach to the wing.

[MulsanneMike]

Originally Posted by MulsanneMike

Forbidden, fin can't attach to the wing.

Hmmm...well, not so fast:

"The fin can be integrally fixed to the engine cover and/or fixed rigidly to the chassis, rear wing and rear structure (on a
“bridge”)."

So the fin can be "integrated" to the rear wing...but, rules do state, "The trailing edge must be straight and situated between 350mm and 450mm behind the rear axle centre line."

So this seems to delineate a defined trailing edge. Not necessarily an obstacle because you could simply feed the F-duct into the rear wing at that point.

20 mm maximum thickness might pose difficulties getting the requisite volume to the rear wing.

Are F-ducts legal? Hell, maybe!?

[Japanese Samurai]

It is very hard to keep operating F-duct for 24 hours!

[betablocker]

i believe that is how the eco fin attached, via a bridge, to the wing support, because of yaw loads it needed strengthening support higher up. but it didnt seem to go over the top surface and locate onto the wing itself.

[manthey]

f-duct in f1 will be banned from 2011

[gustavobamba]

I think F´duct is possible...

[gustavobamba]

Originally Posted by MulsanneMike

Forbidden, fin can't attach to the wing.

The interpretation of the rules can be made in different direction´s.
To me The F´Duct system can actually be use in the LMP1.
The system don´t need to be attached to the rear wing to work, Mercedes F1 team uses a variation of the F´Duct that neutralize´s the rear wing without being attached to the rear wing.

But i don´t have sure if that work in the rear body of a LMP1 prototype.

The only gain in Le Mans will be top speed in the straights i supposed

[manthey]

Originally Posted by gustavobamba

The interpretation of the rules can be made in different direction´s.
To me The F´Duct system can actually be use in the LMP1.
The system don´t need to be attached to the rear wing to work, Mercedes F1 team uses a variation of the F´Duct that neutralize´s the rear wing without being attached to the rear wing.

But i don´t have sure if that work in the rear body of a LMP1 prototype.

The only gain in Le Mans will be top speed in the straights i supposed

it's a good gain be faster also on straights

[gwyllion]

Originally Posted by MulsanneMike

Are F-ducts legal? Hell, maybe!?

The rules also say "The fin should be continuous without any holes or openings. No other device can be attached to this fin."

I guess that the spirit of the rules don't allow for a F-duct. So the ACO can always refuse homologation if a car is fitted with such device...

[CTD]

Originally Posted by gustavobamba

The only gain in Le Mans will be top speed in the straights i supposed

Actually the F-Duct system allow you to run with a higher amount of downforce (see the Italian Granprix this weekend), without loosing top speed. So the F-Duct system would allow one to be faster everywhere, except the straight.

Originally Posted by gwyllion

The rules also say "The fin should be continuous without any holes or openings. No other device can be attached to this fin."

I guess that the spirit of the rules don't allow for a F-duct. So the ACO can always refuse homologation if a car is fitted with such device...

Hasn't ACO said pretty clearly that a F-duct system is not allowed?
If so, as you say, ACO can just ban the car from driving with the system. It's their race...