Jamesallenonf1 James Allen #f1 There are so many legality question marks around 2012 F1 cars apparently, that FIA's Charlie Whiting is going to attend Jerez test... Here we go.
And then what? It would take a whole new chassis if those noses are not allowed. That would put at least 3 teams out of the first half of the season.
I don't think they'd even show up if they hadn't - The rules are pretty clear - Unlike in the past, "no pass, no run" now. Mitch; I think the comment on banning the noses was very much "tongue in cheek".... Cheers, Ian EDIT; Anyone remember if Charlie generally goes to these tests?
Are you sure on that? I know the teams used to "play games" in the past - Running underweight was a popular method of psyching the other guys way back as there's no FIA weighbridge to worry about. However, I would expect some FIA / Charlie presence at all tests these days. Cheers, Ian
+1 And I *thought* he was often "poking around" during testing, but really don't know. Anyone know if there's gonna be any TV coverage? Cheers, Ian
nah. just change the cone section. Remember Ferrari managed to change from a low nose to a high nose setup in 1996 without too much drama.
Not true I'm afraid.... The "ugly" hump is the front of the tub, so changing it would need a complete redesign & repeating the crash tests. Cheers, Ian
Didn't they put out of the season all the teams but Brawn when they chose to legalize the double diffusor in 2009? I mean, nothing would surprise me concerning unbelievable decisions in this sport...
They didn't "legalize it", they just didn't ban it....... Big difference IMO. Despite the howls to the contrary and the very tight rules they must work within, there's still plenty of (subtle) innovation in F1. We just don't get to see most of it unfortunately. And in-season rule changes are almost unheard of - Charlie will occasionally issue a "clarification", but the rules almost never change. Cheers, Ian
I'm not convinced that charlie never goes to the first test of the season as some seem to think. I suspect that he's quite interested to see the designers interpretations of the rules and is happy to be on hand to give his opinion on technical matters and possible legality issues, should the teams require it.
This has indeed been my understanding of things per what the community at large has to say about Whiting's typical pre-season activities. I imagine him kicked back in an easy chair at home with a warm fire waiting for a phone call to ring regarding something he should check out. This approach with him being there is certainly far more hands-on like he is some sort of riot-control police enforcer for the FiA. Image Unavailable, Please Login
Indeed. I can't find a good pic right now, but I'm pretty sure the "hump" is the front of the tub - The nose-cone mounts to that. I don't think (but could be wrong ) it's (the hump) "detachable". Cheers, Ian
From Autosport; Hopefully it won't be blocked to non-UK users..... Cheers, Ian http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/97317
It appears I was indeed wrong!.... Here's the Force India example and it seems the joint is indeed "behind" the hump. The problem remains though that they've got to get it low enough fast enough to pass the new rule. Cheers, Ian Image Unavailable, Please Login
To be fair, I would say it's more for the teams benefit than the FIA's. The teams can pretty much run what they want to during testing but come the first race of the season their cars have to pass scrutineering in order to race, so it's in their best interest for Charlie to advise them about possible legality issues in plenty of time. The FIA set the rules on what is legal to race and then check each car complies, but it is the teams responsibility to ensure that their designs are within the rules, not the FIA's, so in a way, Charlie being at the test could be seen as the FIA doing the teams a favour really.
Post by Enrique Rodríguez @Truzonef1 "Aunque cuando se destape el difusor de Ferrari en Jerez seguramente dará mucho que hablar, en todos los sentidos" Google Translation: "Although when you uncover the diffuser Ferrari in Jerez certainly will be talking about, in every way" My Reply: "And why will everyone be talking about the F2012 Diffuser?" Enrique Rodríguez: "Let's wait and see Jerez " My Reply: "Has our clever friend Mr. Byrne come up with something special?" Enrique Rodríguez: "Rory has designed the diffuser, so hopefully interesting."
Doesn't matter - the guidelines won't allow them to raise the portion in front of the hump. To "fix" the problem they'd need to lower what's behind the joint and can't do that without radically modifying the front of the tub. >8^) ER
So, I hear Whiting is present at Jerez specifically to review the various exhaust arrangements. His role is to basically advise everyone of the intent of the rule which is that the exhaust is not meant to provide aerodynamic benefit. I'm wondering if he will pull the 3.15 card on the situation.