CHINA GP: McLaren Appears With Diffuser | FerrariChat

CHINA GP: McLaren Appears With Diffuser

Discussion in 'F1' started by RP, Apr 17, 2009.

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  1. RP

    RP F1 World Champ

    Feb 9, 2005
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    Tone Def
    McLaren has become the first team to take advantage of the final green-light for double-decker diffusers in Formula 1 by fitting an interim version to its car in Shanghai already.

    The team has added a small winglet beneath the crash structure and above the dipped centre of the diffuser which is likely to be the first step of a major development push in this area.

    The change for China is far from being a full double-decker design, which is expected to appear in subsequent races and is more akin to Toyota's narrow diffuser extension.

    By adding this flap, the revised diffuser is now both taller and longer. The flap rises more than 90mm above the 175mm maximum and extends around 40mm behind the permitted 350mm length.

    But as the flap sits within the 150mm exclusion area for the rear crash structure, it is perfectly legal.

    McLaren appeared with a new diffuser in its last test before the season started. It had a lower centre section, which was expected to be in preparation for a double-decker design, once the protests had been cleared up.

    In its current guise the diffuser is a small improvement over the version run in the last two races, but scope still exists for a full double-decker conversion soon.

    This fuller conversion may require changes to other parts such as the rear crash structure and rear suspension, as well as the aerodynamic parts upstream of the diffuser such as the front wing and bargeboards.

    Other teams have been developing these diffusers in expectation of the FIA court of appeal ruling with Renault possibly introducing its version of a double-decker diffuser this weekend.

    Most teams are expected to fit the design by the Spanish Grand Prix, although Red Bull Racing may have to wait until as late as either the Monaco or Turkish race before its version is ready.
     
  2. SPEEDCORE

    SPEEDCORE Four Time F1 World Champ

    Jul 11, 2005
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    Toe Knee
    Hmm just need to correct that as when they say McLaren they mean Lewis. As Kova didn't have the diffuser in either Practice session. I guess that could be different tomorrow.
     
  3. IanMac

    IanMac Formula 3

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    Nice new avatar, Ron. A lovely Scottish lass!
     
  4. Anthony_Ferrari

    Anthony_Ferrari Formula 3

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    Hamilton said "We've definately made a step forward for this race. The car feels much stronger through the corners."

    Of course, he could be lying!!;)
     
  5. RP

    RP F1 World Champ

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    The reason NEVER to judge a book by its cover. Ms Boyle is absolutely wonderful with a voice of an angel.
     
  6. JoeGuitar

    JoeGuitar Formula Junior

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    No joke! Truly an amazing gift; it is sad that the world had to wait 47 years to hear it......
     
  7. zoRob

    zoRob Formula 3

    Oct 31, 2006
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    #7 zoRob, Apr 17, 2009
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
  8. jk0001

    jk0001 F1 Veteran

    Oct 18, 2005
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    Now its time for Brawn GP to have it declared illegal, What goes around comes around.
     
  9. modena2904

    modena2904 Formula Junior
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    I really thought Ferrari would show up this week with an interim diffuser as well. When they announced no KERS for this weekend, I was figuring that was part of the compromise they needed in order to fit the interim diffuser.

    I can't help but think that in the Todt/Brawn/Schumacher days, in a similar situation, they would have had the new parts...

    - Eric
     
  10. JoeGuitar

    JoeGuitar Formula Junior

    May 27, 2007
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    Great pic....thanks! It certainly looks like a different beast the the Brawn DDD; it will be interesting to see the "end" result.
     
  11. rmani

    rmani F1 Veteran
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    agreed it's such a blunder on ferrari's part to have at least had an interim diffuser like mclaren did someone over there really dropped the ball. kudos to mclaren for being prepared it looks like we might be in for a nice fight between two british driver's on sunday. lewis' times during p1 were quite impressive that guy really knows how to drive
     
  12. 355

    355 F1 Rookie
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    #12 355, Apr 17, 2009
    Last edited: Apr 17, 2009
    Ferrari is not what it once was...or should I say it is what it once was back before MS and Brawn came along. Im afraid that Ferrari will be the nonwinner again for a while now. Lewis will clean up and designed cars will be at or near the front of the grid for a while and if Lewis were to get in one then it would be a run away just as MS did with Ferrari. Hopefully Lewis will lose the attitude and join Ferrari to keep it close.
     
  13. JoeGuitar

    JoeGuitar Formula Junior

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    You know, Franco, you aren't the first person I have heard this from...it's very interesting speculation. What would the benefit be to jumping to BGP at this point (not challenging, just genuinely curious.) Wouldn't it be more prudent to see how long this Brawn dominance will last and to continue with a team that has gotten you further and faster than just about any other driver in the history of the sport?
     
  14. TonyL

    TonyL F1 Rookie

    Sep 27, 2007
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    BGP i would imagine are just loving the idea of everybody jumping on the double diffuser bandwagon. Its not just a bolt on accessory you get in a car repair shop. The whole package has to be designed and implemented correctly. Add hoc diffusers will only have minimal effect. These teams need to get over 1.5 secs to get in front, thats light years in F1 terms

    I remember Colin chapman once fooling the opposition for quite a few races by working on the gearbox under blankets. Every team spent ages figuring out what "trick gearbox he had" He fuelled the idea but the leap forward in technology was the chassis / ground effect.

    I think BGP are cute at this because RB tried it at Ferrari on a number of occasions too.

    It makes a complete A**e of the whole regulations that Mr Max Mosley insists that F1 must reduce costs but has now fuelled massive increases in expenditure to save red faces at a number of teams.

    We should also bear in mind that BGP spent millions of Japanese yen to develop and build the current car. Components could have been tested during last years races / testing and developed to be bullet proof for this season. It was worth having egg on their faces but its pay back time now.
     
  15. DeSoto

    DeSoto F1 Veteran

    Nov 26, 2003
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    Renault will have one tomorrow, it just arrived today. It´s said that Ferrari will do the same thing.
     
  16. Drive550PFB

    Drive550PFB Two Time F1 World Champ
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    Anybody have before and after pics. McL and/or Ferrari?
     
  17. rmani

    rmani F1 Veteran
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    i know renault were planning to use them tonight, and mclaren was going to add it to heikki's car, but I haven't heard anything about Ferrari. If that's the case this is (hopefully) great news
     
  18. Senna1994

    Senna1994 F1 World Champ

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    Right on the money Franco.
     
  19. ricksb

    ricksb F1 Veteran

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    Unfortunately, I agree completely. Back to the days of Berger and Alesi doing everything they can in over-powered, under-developed cars just to get a point in a race.

    I don't think anyone can say they didn't see this coming.
     
  20. PhilNotHill

    PhilNotHill Two Time F1 World Champ
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    You mean like LH lied to the stewards?

    Once a person is branded as a liar, one never knows when he is telling the truth. ;)
     
  21. mousecatcher

    mousecatcher Formula 3

    Dec 18, 2007
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    san mateo, ca
    I'm no Max supporter, but that's hardly the case. Of course there will be huge expenditures, but that's the teams' own fault for poor study/interpretation of the rules. The limited testing in place now will in fact limit expenditure as development is forced to be stretched out over time. Also, don't be so focused on the cost aspects of the rules that you are blinded to the other aspects; I'm thinking specifically about overtaking. KERS is going to be a huge cost to all the teams.

    The budget cap for 2010 will be when we really see the cost controls, and will enable teams like USF1 to compete. Too early to tell, but I think it will be a good thing.
     
  22. VIZSLA

    VIZSLA Four Time F1 World Champ
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    Must have been an interesting flight. Every other seat in first class, a diffuser;)
     

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