The FIA has made a fresh clampdown of moveable aerodynamic devices?

Question

Teams have been told that if their 'bridge wing' is not secured to the nose then a supporting stay must now be fitted to ensure it does not flex.

which f1 teams will suffer in Canada and why now?

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/67956

Answer 1

They are not banning it, they are just asking the teams to add a little securing thingy like the one renault has in the photo.

It does seem to move a little on some cars.. not sure if it has anything to do with the performance boost. In theory they are all going to scrap them for 2009 right?

I think the FIA knows McLaren's wing is not outside of the rules because they checked it heavily last year but I think they might suspect the other teams could be using the wing to hide some flexible aero parts. If they don't then the performance will not be affected. Renault already included their own little device to ensure it doesn't flex.

EDIT: The mclaren wing does flex, but in theory it doesn't exceed the limit that is permited. They have been checked by the FIA last year, I doubt they would be stupid enough to put themselves at risk after last year's scandal... but who knows. The teams have been warned, so in theory they should all implement anti flex devices and move on.

Answer 2

The FIA are a bunch of idiots.  All they need to do is remind constructors of the rules regarding moveable aerodynamic devices.

If the bridge doesn't flex, then it doesn't break any rules and therefore doesn't need a stay to connect it to the nose.  If it does flex, then the constructor should be punished by having their cars fail post-race inspections...

Answer 3

Rules are rules. Being a little bit illegal is like being a little bit pregnant - there are clearly defined lines.

McLaren and Renault are going to have to get out the sticky tape before scrutineering in Canada. The Renault wing already has a support, but the support flexes too, as does the main front wing.

Answer 4

.

Imagine that...something that affects McLaren and not Ferrari. Incredulous!

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Answer 5

as for which teams will suffer the answer is any team who's bridge wing flexes

as for why now, you need to take a look at the track lay out

this track loaded with high speed runs and tight hair pins,

the double edge sword of any wing is improved grip at the expense of increased drag and top end speed, though you cant say movable aero is the "best" of both worlds it sure is better, it stays rigid at the lower speed turns and chicanes where high aero is critical and then flexes at higher speeds to significantly reduce drag and gives you back more top end speed that a rigid wing would rob from you, so because of the track lay out  Circuit Gilles Villeneuve is one of the better places  to exploit this hence the reason the FIA has cracked down now

Answer 6

How pathetic can you get! Why ban it, its hardly going to slow the sport down to 60mph is it?

Leave it to the end of the season surely, I thought the FIA were trying to reduce costs, now certain teams have to re-design and scrap nose sections.

Ridiculous FIA rule no. 1233!

Answer 7

McLaren is definitely one of those teams....check out this video of their bridge wing on the nose.....

Answer 8

if all the teams are smart than they will all put the revised front wings on.since the track in montreal is a high speed track with long straights and low speed hairpin corners they will probably use their low angle wings for more top speed and drive the corners .i think the aero techs will be working overtime to develop the new wing stays.

edit:that rule falls under FIA article 3 rule 15 and falls under "aerodynamic influence"and read as such:with the exception of the cover discribed in article 6.5.2 (when used in the pit lane) and the ducts described in article 11.4,any specific part of the car influencing its aerodynamic performance:must comply with the rules relating to bodywork.must be rigidly secured to the entirely sprung part of the car (rigidly secured means not having any degree of freedom).must remain immobile in relation to the sprung part of the car.any device or construction that is designed to bridge the gap between the sprung part of the car and the ground is prohibited under all circumstances.no part having an aerodynamic influence and no part of the bodywork,with the exception of the skid block in 3.13 above,may under any circumstances be located below the reference plane...

(there is no rule 1233, how ever there is a rule 12.3 that pertains to the metalurgy of the wheels)

rules are rules and they all were in place before the season started but giving someone a thumbs down for reciting the rules only shows how immature the person giving the thumbs down is.

julian:it was not directed at you.