Giorgio Piola Technique trick in Jerez
02/09/2012
M an, Mercedes cannot blame the engineers for having no Have ideas. The Mercedes MGPW02 was an unusual car. With bold ideas in many areas: the short wheelbase, the concept with the folded radiators and the revolutionary chassis that hydraulically network the four suspensions. But the technology tricks did not bring what one had hoped for in 2011.
Mercedes tests front wing trick in Suzuka
A new one is being planned for the new Mercedes W03 A stroke of technology - the F-slot in the front wing. To be on the safe side, the system had already been secretly tried the previous year. In Suzuka's first training session on Friday. The engineers used the training to collect data. The F-shaft problem is difficult to represent in the wind tunnel.
During the Jerez test drives, the system was now used for the second time. While all the experts are looking at the new cars of the competition, Mercedes tested the new technology in used cars. Michael Schumacher drove it on Wednesday (February 8th). Nico Rosberg was on the road with it on Thursday. In order to recognize the F-slot, however, you have to look very carefully.
Usually the oval hole in the tip of the nose of the MGPW02 is taped shut. When the system is activated, it is open, the hole is divided into two courses shortly after the entrance. Here air is introduced into the front wing. The model for the system is the F-slot in the rear wing, which came into fashion in the previous season.
Better flow to the underbody and more top speed
The air is then A pipe system led through the front wing stilts into the right and left parts of the main leaf. If the dynamic pressure exceeds a certain level, the air on the underside of the wing is blown through a total of four slots. The driver does not have to activate the system manually as with the F-shaft 2010.
The trick calms the flow under the wing towards the underbody. And it serves the top speed. The experts disagree about how much. McLaren boss Martin Whitmarsh estimates between five and eight km /h. However, he points out that this technology is difficult to get to grips with.
Only passive F-slot on the front wing allowed
The F-slot is actually forbidden. Active anyway. The driver is no longer allowed to intervene. A passive F-shaft in the rear wing, where the dynamic pressure determines when theShould the current break, the teams voluntarily do without. In return, the FIA gave them the DRS wing. It brings significantly more top speed if you can flatten the rear wing flap at the push of a button.
There are no regulations for the front wing. A passive F-slot is legal there. Mercedes is not only pursuing an aggressive strategy in terms of personnel. You also want to set technical trends. In 2012 podium places are mandatory.
In our picture gallery we show you exactly how the trick works.
