Formula One has no-more "ears"

Giando · 28 Jul 2004, 09:56 (Ref:1049619)

I remember that, until 2002 season, all the Formula 1 cars had a sort of a double-ear elements in the zone behind the drivers helmet, just under the roll-bar/airscoop. If I'm not wrong, they were introduced in the 1998 season by Ferrari in the Australia Gp, briefly followed by McLaren and all the others: they were supposed to have an aerodynamic function to reduce turbulences in that important and critical zone, but also I remember reading something about them being a possible trick to respect the minimum width of the roll-bar zone, which has to be a triangle with a certain size.

Well since 2003 all those elements disappeared from each car (see F2002 and F2003GA photos). Does anyone know if some new rule introduced last year eventually stated they were useless because they were on the cars just to respect size limits? In fact, if they had been aerodynamically important, I suppose engineers would have continued to develop their shape.

Thanks for the answers.

Giando
(By the way, wich is the best resolution and dimension ratio
to post a photo here? The one below is very little... but it has to be 51.000k... so?)

ASCII Man · 28 Jul 2004, 09:58 (Ref:1049621)

*squints*
I do see something red in that picture..

Kicking-back · 28 Jul 2004, 10:06 (Ref:1049630)

Those "ears" were on the cars to meet dimensional requirements.

The FIA told the teams to stop getting round the rule in that way, so they now have to have proper bodywork to the right size.

Try Hard · 28 Jul 2004, 10:07 (Ref:1049631)

I kno which parts your talking about Ginado, I'm going to guess that all the teams have come up with ways to smooth the airflow around that region without the aid of the ears. Probably something to do with interaction of helmet, windscreen and headrest.

BTW for pics, its best if you post a jpg, at 400X400 pixels, most jpegs of that size i've seen are no where near the max file size.

Hope it helps
Ed

Try Hard · 28 Jul 2004, 10:08 (Ref:1049633)

Doh, must have posted at the same time.
Anyway, looks like I was wrong, thanks for the explanation K-B.

Giando · 28 Jul 2004, 10:09 (Ref:1049635)

Thank you all!

ASCII Man · 28 Jul 2004, 10:11 (Ref:1049640)

You mean this, right?

Kicking-back · 28 Jul 2004, 10:13 (Ref:1049642)

Yes, ASCII Man, spot on.

Giando · 28 Jul 2004, 10:25 (Ref:1049660)

Yes, please: which resolution and size you gave to those photos?

By the way, ASCII, the first image refers to the static presentation
of the Ferrari F2002, which when on the tracks still mounted those ears!!!!

ASCII Man · 28 Jul 2004, 10:42 (Ref:1049679)

a) Right-click the picture and select properties, you can chack the resolution there.

b) I know, i know, i just used the first pic that had no 'ears'..

Giando · 28 Jul 2004, 10:59 (Ref:1049704)

Thanks!

(and, I didn't mean to be a nitpicker... just have a laugh with you - ok?)

RWC · 30 Jul 2004, 13:33 (Ref:1051925)

Wow kicking back,thanks for the info.

That's twice in a week that i've seen someone actually giving a fact on this forum!!!

Kicking-back · 30 Jul 2004, 13:34 (Ref:1051930)

It's a rare occurence, but it does happen!

Logrence · 30 Jul 2004, 14:33 (Ref:1051997)

Bring back the ears!

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