Mercedes testing 2012 season exhaust at Young Driver Test in Abu Dhabi – Formula 1 news
Mercedes are testing out their new upper-exiting exhaust layout on day three of the Young Driver Test in Abu Dhabi.
The new exhaust is in accordance with the new regulations set by the International Automobile Federation (FIA). The new regulations take effect starting from next season in 2012. The regulations state that the exhaust exits must be higher up in the bodywork
of the car.
It is designed to prevent teams from using exhaust gasses emitting from the engine for blown diffuser. Mercedes have come up with a new design to adjust the new exhaust and have chosen the rear wing for the purpose.
Williams had been testing out their exhaust as well during the ongoing Young Driver Test, and seemed quite happy to see its results although their design did not look as much of a finished product as it looks to be on the Mercedes. The design process on
the Mercedes looked much more advanced. It seemed more gelled with the rear bodywork of the car, with a number of sensors appearing behind the exhaust exits to monitor the performance with the new device.
Sam Bird is driving the MGP-W02 on the third and final day of the Young Driver Test. Although Bird was only the 12th fastest, Mercedes will be analysing the overall lap times without the exhaust blown diffuser-generating downforce.
Earlier in the 2011 season, Mercedes lacked the pace to compete with the grid leaders, but in the later half of the season, they have improved considerably.
From what has been on show recently, it seems that Mercedes have made a few changes to the car, and the tweaks have made it quicker and better, which is a good sign for the upcoming season.
The Young Driver Test will give the Brackley-based team a better understanding of the new exhaust regulations and hopefully, they can come up with a car that can compete with the leaders of the pack.
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