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Post by arcticwolf on Mar 16, 2022 7:05:03 GMT -8
The new regs are all very well for aero improvements, but take a look at the side of the Merc.
When we get wheels inside wheels racing, what will the edge of that floor do to a tire?
Worse still, they've built a ramp so a car can literally climb over another one.  |
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Post by Chris K. Hale on Mar 16, 2022 9:16:36 GMT -8
The new regs, went back to Ground Effects tunnels for the first time since 1994? that changed a lot, now the underside of the car provides a huge amount of downforce versus the old regs that mandated all downforce had to come from the top side. This allowed them to change the rear wing to a basically spec set up , much more attractive too, Mercedes pulled a fast one with this side pod design, Ferrari made a huge change as did Red Bull, the side pods dont provide the total downforce so other than cooling they can be done quite differently, The Intercooler is now on top of the engine not in the side pod, they have developed they Aero Mirrors in different styles to aid , the front wings are a lot different with less garbage added, the front wheels have Spat or semi cover on the inside that channels the air away from the body reducing dirty air , hopefully gaining the ability to pass again. the Floor with the tunnels has dramatically changed and the fluting, strakes and assort aero aids are not working like before. I havent figured it out but I dont think the DRS is on the cars any more. There has been so many changes the races will come down to whoever figured it out the best, and word has it Mercedes is struggling all the cars initially had a problem of Porpoising at speed, some teams have under control some dont, the High rake chassis is gone since it doesnt work with Ground Effects. I have spent hours reading and studying the changes and effects and I am still a bit confused on some of it. The first race will be the true test... Chris
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Post by afx on Mar 17, 2022 2:25:03 GMT -8
I don't love the new car designs and Mercedes have taken an extreme approach compared to the others. Ferrari believe they have closed their horsepower gap to Honda & Mercedes. As Chris said we will know whats real after the firts race this weekend.   |
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Post by Joel_W on Mar 17, 2022 7:28:52 GMT -8
Red Bull came to the 2nd test session with another new sidepod package that took it even further then Mercedes did, plus incorporating the Ferrari deep bottom scallops on the smaller side pods that help to direct in a channel effect.
I'm not one to put to much into the lap times of each car as they're all running different gas loads, and different tires throughout the 3 day test. But Red Bull does seem to be very fast. Being a Verstappen/Red Bull fan, that's good news for me. On the other hand Mercedes seems to still have aero issues to contend with, but I'm quite sure that for this Sunday's race, they'll be right up there at the front.
joel
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Post by Chris K. Hale on Mar 17, 2022 16:09:57 GMT -8
I will be up at 5am tomorrow to watch Free Practice #1 and maybe make some sense out of all of it..or not...LoL! Chris
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Post by Joel_W on Mar 18, 2022 5:36:08 GMT -8
Chris,
You're more dedicated to F1 then I am for sure. I just watch the recaps on two You Tube channels that I've followed for years. But I do get the full race on ESPN/Sky with no commercials, a true god send.
My long term prognosis is that by mid season just about every team will have changed their side pods to better emulate what the front runners are using. Right now it's a real crap shoot for sure.
I'm really hoping that the end result is finally closer racing where the bulk of the racing has been mid field.
joel
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Post by Chris K. Hale on Mar 18, 2022 12:12:19 GMT -8
Well Well, it was a surprising morning and noon, with FP 1 & FP 2 Gasly in the Alpha Tauri fastest in FP 1 followed by both Ferrari's FP 2 saw Red Bull's Verstapen followed by Ferrari's again, Hamilton was 7th and 9th accordingly I think the Mercedes has some problems ..more tomorrow FP3 and Saturday Qualifying.. Chris
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Post by Patrick on Mar 24, 2022 18:35:53 GMT -8
uh...what? No...no. That couldn't have happened. You're kidding me, right? NO! NO! Damn! Where's my Ferrari flag!?
-Patrick,
El Gato
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Post by Chris K. Hale on Mar 25, 2022 6:48:12 GMT -8
uh...what? No...no. That couldn't have happened. You're kidding me, right? NO! NO! Damn! Where's my Ferrari flag!? -Patrick, El Gato Mine is right there proudly displayed in my office where you saw it!!! Chris |
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Post by afx on Mar 26, 2022 4:42:54 GMT -8
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Post by vintagerpm on Mar 26, 2022 7:23:27 GMT -8
Well, they ran practice this morning (US time). Lets see if qualifying comes off. I think it will. Mike |
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Post by 2whl on Mar 26, 2022 9:06:08 GMT -8
The background chatter is that they would have had 'difficulties' leaving the country if the race got cancelled.
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Post by arcticwolf on Mar 26, 2022 17:01:12 GMT -8
The background chatter is that they would have had 'difficulties' leaving the country if the race got cancelled. There did seem to be something a little sinister, being politically correct. I wouldn't be surprised. Vettel is a smart guy, conveniently testing positive for covid like that.
Perez on pole I like!! Always did think highly of him.
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Post by Joel_W on Mar 27, 2022 5:03:45 GMT -8
I wonder just how many thousands of Troops they have in the hills making sure that there's no further attacks. If the drivers all refused, there isn't anything anyone can do about it. I do remember several years back when the Indy Cars 1st went to Texas, and the speeds on the track were just insane. The drivers did refuse to race and it was cancelled.
But I do wonder just how much of their gear wouldn't make it to Australia in time for the next race in two weeks time.
I'm a Red Bull fan, and I'm thrilled to see Perez on the pole which is his 1st of his F1 career. Going to be one tough race as this street course is just to fast with little to no run offs, so I'm expecting several Yellows or even a Red flag or two. Just praying that for a change it's not Max nor Perez hitting the wall or having some other fuel related issue, which still seems really fishy to me as that's the real issue.
Curious to see if Hamilton and Russell can once again find a way to score points as their car sure seems to be behind in development to the Ferrari and Red Bull cars once again.
joel
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Post by mustangrex on Mar 27, 2022 10:37:33 GMT -8
Pretty good race without the usual drama and red flags. Agree the side pods just look odd.  |
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