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Discussion in 'Other Racing' started by Remy Zero, May 14, 2007.

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  1. Remy Zero

    Remy Zero Two Time F1 World Champ

    Apr 26, 2005
    23,476
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    MC Cool Breeze
    McLaren's radical new 'bridge' front wing has been given a fresh all-clear by the FIA, autosport.com has learned, following concerns from some rival teams in Spain that it could be flexing at high speed.

    On-board video footage from Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton's cars showed the front wing moving down on the straights when exposed to the forces experienced at high speed.

    That movement led to questions from some of McLaren's rivals about the wing being a moveable aerodynamic device.

    In the wake of those worries, however, it is understood that the FIA's technical department examined the wing's flexibility and its behaviour prior to the race and found there to be no issues with its design at all.

    An FIA spokesman confirmed to autosport.com: "The matter has been investigated and no action is required."

    McLaren F1 CEO Martin Whitmarsh said his team never had any doubts that the wing was fully legal, and played down any movement that was visible from the on-board footage.

    "Anyone who went out on the circuit or watched the slow speed photography saw the wing was very stable, and frankly we didn't think it was ever an issue," said Whitmarsh.

    "It hasn't to my knowledge been mentioned to us at all. It is a very slender section, so it might be prone to movement. And perhaps others could be taking advantage of that, but there is no doubt that whoever watches it, knows it is legal."

    McLaren's main championship rivals Ferrari also made it clear that they were not worried about the movement of the wing - despite themselves having been accused in the past of running flexi-wings.

    Ferrari technical director Mario Almondo said: "At the moment, we think we do not have anything against McLaren. Full stop."



    So...what does everyone thinks? it's so clear the wing has been flexing..
     
  2. tifosi12

    tifosi12 Four Time F1 World Champ
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    Oct 3, 2002
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    Actually it should be allowed: As should all flexible and bending aero dynamics. The FIA should do away with the rule that aeros can't move.

    They came up with that rule in the late sixties when people started adding "airplane ailerons" to their cars and they broke and accidents were to follow. But that was then, now we're 30 years later with a lot more knowledge, engineering and better materials.

    It makes no sense that an Enzo has movable aero parts but its F1 "father" doesn't. If we want progression and trickle down effects for street cars we need to get rid of that rule.

    Regarding the McLaren wing: As long as flexible aeros are banned, this wing should be banned.
     
  3. Remy Zero

    Remy Zero Two Time F1 World Champ

    Apr 26, 2005
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    so much for them to complain about the Scuderia's floors and Bemmer's
     
  4. tifosi12

    tifosi12 Four Time F1 World Champ
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    Well, that's just par for the course. If you are in this game you need to complain about the competition. Nothing sinister in that.

    As long as the FIA makes a decision fast (as in this case) I have no problems. It only gets ridiculous when they reverse their decisions and drag it on forever like last year's damper issue.
     
  5. Formula 1

    Formula 1 Formula 3

    Feb 20, 2005
    1,525
    I kind of like the look of the wing and thanks to the FIA for making it legal...........can't wait to see how it will look on the Ferrari :D
     
  6. tifosi12

    tifosi12 Four Time F1 World Champ
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    I doubt we'll see it on the Ferrari: Speed TV explained why McLaren gets away with it: It is because their nose is so low.
     
  7. Formula 1

    Formula 1 Formula 3

    Feb 20, 2005
    1,525
    I'm sure Ferrari will think up something similar.
     
  8. Simon^2

    Simon^2 F1 World Champ

    Oct 17, 2005
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    At Sea Level

    +1. Completely absurd ruling in light of other recent rulings.
     
  9. DGS

    DGS Seven Time F1 World Champ
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    As I recall, the local marshalls ruled several items "legal" last year, before being overridden by FIA central.

    So "rulings" aren't exactly bankable, these days.
     
  10. tifosi12

    tifosi12 Four Time F1 World Champ
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    Therein lies the problem and it is hard to understand why: Charlie Whiting is at all the GPs. His decision should be final.
     
  11. tonyc

    tonyc Formula 3

    Oct 19, 2003
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    You think it is absurd because you did not read the rule that only red cars may not have movable elements. I have a feeling this is not over, and we will see other teams come up with front movable elements and then the FIA will make a rule that effects all teams.
     
  12. parkerfe

    parkerfe F1 World Champ

    Sep 4, 2001
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    I used my TIVO to look at the wing in slow motion and the wing was not moving at all...what was happening is on braking the front suspension was compressing while the rear end was rising up making it appear that the wing was moving in relation to the car's nose...it was just an illusion as I'm sure the FIA found as well...
     
  13. ItaliaF1

    ItaliaF1 F1 Veteran

    Aug 28, 2005
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    Well, now that we know that it is allowed, Ferrari should develop something similar for their car. It couldn't hurt to try.
     
  14. blkprlz

    blkprlz Formula 3

    Mar 24, 2007
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    Regarding the McLaren wing: As long as flexible aeros are banned, this wing should be banned.[/QUOTE]

    It appears that safety is the primary issue, just as the 'chicane' section was added prior to the front stretch@catalunya.
    'The Official Formula 1 Website' mentioned the 'spectacular accidents' in the late 60's that led to the 1970 season size and limits of aero wing changes.
     
  15. Kieran

    Kieran F1 Rookie

    Jul 23, 2006
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    I looked at in slow-mo too, and it did appear to me to be flexing. When they were tearing down the straight it went a lot lower than when they were just normally accelerating out of a turn.
     
  16. LightGuy

    LightGuy Four Time F1 World Champ
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    On Speed's coverage look at Massa's front wing; lap 15/65.
    You can see a large gap develope and lessen between the left front wing and the nose cone as the car speeds and slows; Movable aerodynamic device.
    Lets not chuck stones.
     
  17. Senna3xWC

    Senna3xWC F1 Rookie

    Nov 30, 2006
    3,152
    NYC
    I find it difficult to believe that McLaren would willingly and knowingly create such an obvious moving aero device. They would have had to expect it to be banned almost immediately.

    I seriously doubt that the wing is flexing, it is likely to be an visual effect caused by the chassis under braking.
     
  18. Nate Johnson

    Nate Johnson Formula Junior

    Nov 7, 2006
    370
    USA
    I don't think the wing makes any difference. Massa didn't have one and he got a grand slam on the weekend Mac debuted it. If Kimi's car hadn't crapped out they probably would have gotten two red cars on the podium. Let them hang all kinds of stupid-ass wings on the Ron Dennis-mobile, Alonso's helmet, whatever they want, so long as Massa gets pole, fastest lap and the win.
     

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