Is this the new "trick diffuser"??

McLaren has confirmed that it will be using the same ride-height system as Red Bull to drop its race car for China.

And the intrigue begins...



Source: FIA wades in on ride-height debate | Planet F1 | Formula One News.



Source: 'McLaren set for 0.3s ride-height boost' | Planet F1 | Formula One | News, Standings, Results, Features, Video .

 

this should make for a interesting race weekend. and hopefully some juicy news.

I'm sure Ferrari and Merc are working on something, but they are smart enough to not talk about it.

 

This reminds me of the ECU/traction control fiasco. Remember that? One year TC was ok, then not, then ok again because they couldn't regulate teams...

The FIA should go back to '92 and allow all electronics, active aero, active suspension, etc. The engineers in F1 are some of the most gifted in the world - let them do their thing. If they let the guys add that stuff back, all this nonsense about "dirty air" would be moot. Passing opportunities would exist everywhere and lap times would drop. Keep the "no refueling" rule and watch them go!

Of course, my #1 solution for the inevitable "it'll cost too much" problem is to go back to slick bodies like in the '60s. Just use underbody aero (maybe a rule of no aero higher than the lowest suspension arm?) and again dirty air won't be an issue.

 

^^totally agree on letting the engineers loose, F1 was always about the innovations, now its more about the limitations.

 

Yep - Give them a couple of engine formulas (one NA, one FI), make the car fit in a box (like your carry-on luggage), give them the spec tire (one compound, plus intermediates and wets), then let them loose. Imagine the creative solutions!

 

i just saw his article about them being illegal:
"Formula 1 governing body the FIA has faxed all teams, informing them that any type of system which modifies a car's ride height levels whilst in action on-track would be illegal. Suspicions have been aroused in some teams over the likes of Red Bull, whose RB6 is rumoured to contain a device which generates more downforce by lowering the car in qualifying.

With cars carrying full fuel tanks this year in order to cater for the ban on in-race refuelling, competitors would gain a simple yet effective aerodynamic advantage should their car be able to run closer to the ground and therefore generate more downforce whilst running light in qualifying sessions.

Red Bull has defended its car's design and is prepared to face protests from fellow competitors
However, although the rumours are no more than that, an FIA spokesperson has confirmed to Autosport that any ride height-changing part (such as the use of pressure-operated components, as mentioned in the paddock at Sepang last weekend) would not be allowed under the current sporting regulations

"Any system device or procedure, the purpose and/or effect of which is to change the setup of the suspension while the car is under Parc Fermé conditions, will be deemed to contravene article 34.5 of the sporting regulations," reads the FIA message received by Autosport."

 

↑ I saw that article too.

It's in post #1 of this thread.

 

Barrister, a better news source than speed channel!

 

Uh. That's Planet-F1 brother.

 

Oh man, maybe I need to reconsider my team now. I'm glad RBR won't have their "unfair" advantage anymore.