That looks like there's an air-guiding hood over the proboscis, like a shell over the nose. Except that it's just a reflection that makes it look that way, which is a shame.
The Merc wing looks like the only one that's in full 2014 racing trim, the RBR and Ferrari look like dummy wings based on last year's designs. The McLaren is too dark to see many details, but it might be in 2014 trim as well. I expect this year's wings will be covered in winglets throwing the air to the outside of the wheels as much as possible.
I envision a lot of missing front wings this season as the drivers try to get used to where the front of the car actually ends.
Red Bull surprised me with a conservative approach to the nose. I am curious to what that counter sunk pit is on the tip of the nose.
Live commentary on Jerez pre-season testing: BBC Sport - Formula 1: Day two of pre-season testing at Jerez
There is never only one configuration to get downforce. And they aren't, weren't flowing more air "under" the car for more downforce. Air under the car will create lift and drag unless you are doing ground effects which they cannot. The nose was raised so that the working area of the front spoiler/wing could be increased and thusly achieve more downforce in the same amount of space. 2cents
They're still doing ground-effects. The difference is they aren't allowed skirts or anything other than a flat floor. The faster the air goes under the car, the more suction is created at the diffuser and the more downforce at the rear of the car. It's all about gluing the various parts of the airflow together. Higher noses mean more air forced under the floor, and more downforce. [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RufgMOQlLx8&feature=share&list=PLU-yGGkKxDayqVhDsSBRcrEPtGKjEjBuA&index=2]F1 Floor Explained with Venturi Effect - YouTube[/ame] The move to lower the noses is because there is a fear that if the suction is broken, then the car can fly. Think Mark Webber at Valencia in 2010. [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2kNZzqqdhM0"]Webber crash Valencia 2010 - YouTube[/ame] However, there is some thought that the lower the nose the more the chance of the car running UNDER another car.
I stand corrected. Thought you had to contain the air on the sides for it to really work like it did back in the day, which the present day rear diffuser has....but see that the height of the car off the ground greatly effects the amount of downforce as it did then... :thumbup:
A bit of off-track news to go with the test day updates to come. Seems Dennis has a different sort of management structure in mind, adding an extra layer. I'm surprised, saw him as more of a flat org structure type so everyone would have more reason to be afraid of his direct wrath. McLaren confirms Boullier's role (racer.com)
I'm continuing to ignore specific lap times as they're meaningless to this point. If you notice any from today, keep in mind that Pirelli moved up the wet track test from Fri to today (Wed) because it rained early and the track was already wet...so they wet it further.
Button seems to think they'll be slower than last year for a little while, then they'll catch up to last years' pace. Cars 'won't be far off' 2013 pace by last race - Button - F1 Fanatic
There are earlier posts describing the power plant, but I just ran across this nice gallery of beautiful images that I think are pretty cool. Hope you agree... An Illustrated Guide to F1's Radical New Engine | Autopia | Wired.com Loving all of the CF. :arf:
Renault must be wishing Lotus were testing. They would still have had to shut down and mileage would be limited to this point anyway but if Lotus were there they'd have a better chance of catching up on track time after resolve this mysterious issue...assuming they can solve it. Renault to fix problems overnight (racer.com) Full article here.
Very interesting rear suspension for McLaren. Formula 1® - The Official F1® Website I'm surprised it not deemed a movable aero device.