Nope - Because that's not their "primary purpose". [Their "primary purpose" is, of course, holding the hubs/wheels on! ] Cheers, Ian
OK then... How is it that they have the 3:5 ratio rule, limiting the profile, to prevent them being used as aero devices. IMO, the engine mapping that produces all the hot exhaust gas (when "off" throttle), should be banned entirely.
IIRC, and it was a long time back, they did that after Colin introduced "wing shaped" suspension arms - The others claimed it was way too expensive (!) and got them "banned" with that rule. But, I could be wrong..... +1 No argument from me on that one! [I thought Charlie was in fact trying to do just that this year?] Cheers, Ian
Red Bull's new exhaust system is not friendly with the rear tires and they are seeing degradation equivalent to everyone else now. Mclaren did not change much with their car other than the sidepods having a slightly larger undercut under their exhaust now.
How are the top speeds looking at the last test? I'd see that RB can go two ways - with their original exhaust, maybe slightly slower for single lap qualifying, but tire degradation lower - race strategy would be to qualify 3rd or 4th, then overtake later in the tire stints. Assuming they have enough top speed that DRS would let them overtake. OR, they use the new, slightly faster exhaust config, qualify 1st, and have the same degradation as everyone else - which means they could be vulnerable to overtaking if their top speed remains at the slower end of the range.
I haven't seem trap times from today. I know the previous Barcelona test top trap speed times showed RB remained at the lower end of the top trap speed times again.
I gotta say I am incredibly excited for Nico this year. This is the best car he has ever been in and we will finally be able to find out if he has what it takes on race form to fight with the best. Schu was able to hold off quicker cars many times last year for a significant amount of time, while Nico just never quite had that ability. This year however, Nico will have a sharper instrument which may either amplify is lack of hardcore race ability or blossom him into a superstar. We know what Michael can do in a good car, but can he still do it is the question. Everything the past two years has been a compromise for both of them, and granted they don;t have a title contender on their hands but they do have something much much better. Exciting stuff there.
If true its exactly what they wanted to avoid. So they play catch up again as 1 of the other teams probably begins to run away unless we get lucky and it stays close. No matter as this appears, I say appears, currently another ok but not great year for the red team.
I just confirmed it that Mclaren yesterday and today have installed a Mercedes front wing f-duct although Mclaren's inlets are on the front wing pylons very near the nose. Apparently Jenson really likes it. No idea what their trap speeds are, but I think this might be the next 'it' thing for this season as the straight line difference is quite excellent yielding another 5-7kph. Red Bull top trap speed last week I know was some 10kph below Mclaren and 15kph below Mercedes. Red Bull might want to get cracking on this one......
