Red Bull RB10 launch

[Dennisch]

Newey knows something the others don't?

 

[Cap'n Jack]

I'd imagine the shape of the inlet simply comes down to having it optimised with the "keel" shape of the nose tip. That way they can get the optimum amount of air through while having the benefits of the nose shape.

What ducting to cool drivers in that past couple years? The only ducting was for inner working aero that was directed toward the rear for better stability.

That was just my understanding of it. It's been a while since I've read anything about it.

 

[prisonermonkeys]

To be fair, they had easily the best car last season. Why would they drastically change it? The regulation changes mainly involve the internals.

The regulation changes demand a lower nose, new position of the exhaust outlet, have removed the beam wing, and a narrower front wing. They are major changes that affect the two areas of the car that generate the most downforce. The RB9 was designed for a high nose, beam wing, blown diffuser and wide front wing. So why change? Because you cannot just take the old car, stick new parts on it with minimum effort, and expect it to perform just as well.

 

[BKGlover]

My guess on the inlet is that they found a happy medium between airflow through and downforce made. I wouldn't be surprised if that finger flexes some at higher speed as well, and perhaps they have designs for adjusting how far it would open.

 

[prisonermonkeys]

If it flexes even a little, the FIA would kill it immediately. It is one thing for the front wing to flex at high speed, but the nose connects into the monocoque and starts getting close to the safety cell. It is a key piece of the car's construction, and the FIA would never approve of it.

 

[BKGlover]

Not the nose entirely, just the little insert blocking the hole.

 

[Azure Flare]

Adrian Newey, you sneaky bastard!

 

[AerodyManiac]

Look closer, it's not painted, just bare carbon fiber.

EDIT:

So thats what that little bit is for...

I was browsing through my phone, so I couldn't see the nose that clearly. Thanks.

Still looks less awful than the other cars.

 

[BHRxRacer]

Obvious enough, but it still doesn't explain why it's shaped like that rather than it being just a hole like on every other car.

Having air inside the nose momentarily increases its mass, and downforce?

--

Are the noses hollow from the inside?

 

[HKS racer]

Yes, they were told to be moved further back on the nose, and RBR don't have any, thus that inner piece on the nose is probably a rotating camera.

But IF camera wings on the side are mandatory how FIA think to justify RedBull for not having them?

 

[Bo]

Because it's Red Bull. They get away with things. The FIA should change to the RBIA.

 

[the-young-hooly]

This and the Mercedes, definitely the best looking.

 

[prisonermonkeys]

But IF camera wings on the side are mandatory how FIA think to justify RedBull for not having them?

The rules have changed. If you are going to have a camera mounting, then it has to have a camera in it. Teams were able to get away with having dummy fixtures in the past, but not anymore.

 

[HKS racer]

The rules have changed. If you are going to have a camera mounting, then it has to have a camera in it. Teams were able to get away with having dummy fixtures in the past, but not anymore.

So is RBR solution legal or not?

 

[Pezzarinho17]

ARTICLE 20 : TELEVISION CAMERAS AND TIMING TRANSPONDERS
20.1 Presence of cameras and camera housings :
All cars must be fitted with at least five cameras or camera housings at all times throughout the Event.
20.2 Location of camera housings :
Camera housings, when used, must be fitted in the same location as cameras. Details concerning the size and weight of all camera housings may be found in the Appendix to the Technical Regulations.
20.3 Location and fitting of camera equipment :
20.3.1 All cars must be equipped with five positions in which cameras or camera housings can be fitted. Referring to Drawing 6, all cars must carry (i) a camera in position 4 and (ii) a camera or camera housing in positions 2 (both sides), 3 and either 1 or 5.

It is not a camera.

 

[Cap'n Jack]

The camera has to be mounted 325-525mm above the floor of the chassis, the keel appears to fall way too short of 325mm. So if it is a camera, then it definitely isn't legal. It's a completely legal interpretation of the rules, arguably even more "to the spirit of the rules" than Mercedes' solution which is completely taking advantage of the way the technical regulations were written. Also teams are not required to run cameras during testing.

 

[Grayfox]

Damn, I thought that they were going to sever Vettel's finger and put it on the nose.

Nah they are going to make a carbon fiber cast of it that shakes when going at high speed.

Since it is not an "aero" device it does not fall under the moving wings rule.

 

[Pezzarinho17]

Nah they are going to make a carbon fiber cast of it that shakes when going at high speed.

Since it is not an "aero" device it does not fall under the moving wings rule.

Not sure about that, but of more concern is that it is the safety crash structure - flexible not good!!!

 

[Grayfox]

Fan gets hit in the face with vettels finger.

Vettel still wins.

 

[HKS racer]

The camera has to be mounted 325-525mm above the floor of the chassis, the keel appears to fall way too short of 325mm. So if it is a camera, then it definitely isn't legal. It's a completely legal interpretation of the rules, arguably even more "to the spirit of the rules" than Mercedes' solution which is completely taking advantage of the way the technical regulations. Also teams are not required to run cameras during testing.

As long as they will use camera in "2" position when season officially start, I think that's the only logical explaination.

 

[neljack]

"Vettel has cancelled his media commitments for Wednesday evening and will fly home."

I think over 2 days Vettel has done no more than 10 laps maximum, so not the best of starts for RB.

Here is the total number of laps completed by each engine manufacturer so far at Jerez F1 Test:
Mercedes: 212 Ferrari: 121 Renault: 38

To compare, Rosberg has done 75 laps today.

 

[DK]

What's fascinating is that, with Marussia absent, Ferrari managed 121 laps with just 4 cars.

 

[MasamuneDate]

If there's not a significant improvement on the Renault engines during the pre-season tests, I fear Red Bull and Vettel won't be claiming the title this year.
It's becoming clearer that Mercedes did a better job and the title dispute could be between Mercedes and Mclaren.

 

[Pezzarinho17]

It is still very early, but I would say that it was we are looking at so far. Ferrari should not be discounted though having done a good number of laps and topping times yesterday. Plus, you can never count out Ferrari, Alonso, or Raikkonen ever!

 

[MasamuneDate]

It is still very early, but I would say that it was we are looking at so far. Ferrari should not be discounted though having done a good number of laps and topping times yesterday. Plus, you can never count out Ferrari, Alonso, or Raikkonen ever!

I agree. What's more: will Vettel remain at RBR should they flop this year? Only time will tell.

 

[zzz_pt]

I'm looking forawrd to this season!

The season with more regulations changes in the last 20 years; Kimi vs Alonso; A good McLaren hopefully...

 

[AlvaroF]

And a very strong Merc engine. I reckon a good year.

 

[Cap'n Jack]

Rumours suggest that the current problem with Red Bull is due to the packaging of the control electronics.

 

[AlvaroF]

Rumours suggest that the current problem with Red Bull is due to the packaging of the control electronics.

I read it was a battery problem. It is an electrical problem, but whatever.

 

[Pezzarinho17]

Red Bull are now finished for the day... They had hoped to fix the car and complete an installation lap by 1630, but that isn't going to happen now. Magnussen has nearly done as many laps this afternoon as Red Bull have done in 3 days! EDIT: And has now done more...