Ferrari F2008

[cdh]

When aerodynamicists dream............wow



link to a slide show here

[dalyduo]

That front view looks like lips with eyes.

The top view in the slideshow is very scorpion like.

Strange animals these aerodynamic cars and neither driver looks particularly happy either. Ah well. The grass is always greener (or redder) somewhere else.

[cdh]

from autosport.com

Ferrari set Jerez pace with F2008

By Pablo Elizalde

Monday, January 14th 2008, 16:13 GMT

Kimi Raikkonen and Felipe Massa kicked off Ferrari's preparations for the 2008 season in style by dominating the first day of testing at Jerez. Both men were driving Ferrari's new F2008 car, unveiled last week in Maranello. Spaniard Pedro de la Rosa was third quickest in the new McLaren MP4-23, while Toro Rosso's Sebastian Vettel managed the fourth fastest time, ahead of the second McLaren of Heikki Kovalainen.

Both de la Rosa and Kovalainen had already been in action at Jerez last week during a three-day test following the launch of the new McLaren.

"The only problem was because of the wet condition," Kovalainen said. "We had a plan to do a GP simulation but we could not do it. "The only thing which got changed (from the previous test) is the seating position. I am sitting a bit lower now, somehow I was used to sit a bit higher. The reliability is good."

McLaren decided to not run in the morning in order to avoid risks, but de la Rosa was still happy with the day's work.

"We have seized a difficult day because in the morning, with the wet track, it was better to not go out and we decided to not go out until the track was dry," de la Rosa told autosport.com.

"The car is working pretty well and like everybody says, it's just been born, but it's a step forward compared to last year's. "The important thing is that the car is very similar to last year's one, it's reliable. We have been able to do a long run of 20 something laps without a problem and that's the most positive thing. That's the target for tomorrow: to do a lot of laps.

"The car is very similar to last year's, so the first time that I tested it it didn't really surprise me. But the truth is that the car is missing a lot of pieces yet. A lot of pieces are from last year. We don't have the full spec yet."

Toro Rosso completed a strong session, with Sebastien Bourdais posting the sixth fastest time ahead of Nico Rosberg in the hybrid Williams FW29B.

Apart from the two Ferraris and the two McLarens, Toyota were the other team running with their 2008 car, with Jarno Trulli the man in charge of putting the TF108 through its paces.

The Italian, whose teammate Timo Glock drove last year's car, completed a total of 84 laps, the most by any driver today, and finished as eighth quickest.

"Everything went smoothly today," said Trulli. "We were competitive all day, in the wet and in the dry. We pushed our performance forward and also gained more experience with this new car, which is very important and we are understanding more and more how it works.

"The roll-out yesterday was successful and we were able to complete a lot of laps without any trouble. The car seems to be running well and there are no major problems. I was happy to do so many laps with a new car today - it was a positive day."

Nelsinho Piquet was the only Renault driver in action, with Red Bull's David Coulthard also without a teammate on track.

Italian Tonio Liuzzi made his debut as an official test driver for Force India, finishing as 11th quickest.

"We have improved from the last test we did here and the car seemed to respond better than last time, so that was already better," said Liuzzi.

"It was quite a difficult day though as we had a few mechanical problems and we had to wait in the garage for a while, so we didn't put in too many laps, but the few laps we did I think were pretty positive.

"It was just unfortunate that the issues stopped us doing some more, but it is a three day test and we can look forward to some more development. We are going in the right direction and still have a lot of work to do."

James Rossiter wound up at the bottom of the times with the Super Aguri-Honda after managing just 10 laps due to problems with the rear axle of his car, which caught fire and forced to team to wait for new parts to arrive.

The session began with on a wet track following early showers, and it finally dried out around 1:30pm.

There were a total of eight red flags during the session, caused by Massa, Vettel, Bourdais, Nakajima, Piquet (2) and Glock (2). Only BMW, launching their new car in Germany, were absent from the test.

Today's times:


Pos Driver Team Time Laps
1. Raikkonen Ferrari (B) 1:19.846 59 *
2. Massa Ferrari (B) 1:20.123 42 *
3. de la Rosa McLaren-Mercedes (B) 1:20.548 54 *
4. Vettel Toro Rosso-Ferrari (B) 1:20.732 40
5. Kovalainen McLaren-Mercedes (B) 1:20.936 48 *
6. Bourdais Toro Rosso-Ferrari (B) 1:20.997 47
7. Rosberg Williams-Toyota (B) 1:21.143 47
8. Trulli Toyota (B) 1:21.314 84 *
9. Piquet Renault (B) 1:21.696 41
10. Coulthard Red Bull-Renault (B) 1:21.746 49
11. Liuzzi Force India-Ferrari (B) 1:23.035 44
12. Nakajima Williams-Toyota (B) 1:23.134 42
13. Glock Toyota (B) 1:24.351 56
14. Rossiter Super Aguri-Honda (B) 1:34.862 10

All Timing Unofficial
* 2008 car

[WatertownNewbie]

Question: The 2008 cars have no traction control, correct? So is Kimi faster in a 2008 (non-traction control) car than the rest of the drivers, including some in 2007 (with traction control) cars?

[wbs]

STR still being really impressive! I will repeat my crystal-ball gazing and look forward to Ferrari, BMW, Renault, and Toro Rosso's pair of Sebastiens hogging the podiums this year.

It'll also be interesting to see how Honda does.

[chsutherland]

WBS; Do you have the same crystal ball as Bobby Knight? I hope yours is better

http://youtube.com/watch?v=50LsvwmgJ7I

[wbs]

Of course I have a MUCH better set of balls.

[oldredracer]

Originally Posted by dalyduo

That front view looks like lips with eyes.

If you like kissing a lobster, I guess.

[Slowhands]

Originally Posted by cdh

When aerodynamicists dream............wow

That is an absolutely beautiful car. Lips and all.

So, Doug... Do Aerodynamicists Dream of Flying Sheep?

[cdh]

Originally Posted by Slowhands

So, Doug... Do Aerodynamicists Dream of Flying Sheep?

nice try, I'll blow the dust off my photoshop one of these days. I was wondering why the wing-things aft of the front wheels seemed familiar, then it struck me.

[AZRCD]

Is it a little too soon to say that your looking at this year constructors winner?

[oldredracer]

Originally Posted by AZRCD

Is it a little too soon to say that your looking at this year constructors winner?

Please. The litigation paperwork hasn't even been filed yet. Never mind the protests.

[rgreist]

I have also taken to covering the whole tire with Armour All. Perhaps I, too, will win a World Championship.

[oldredracer]

All that being said, the thing does have a very purposeful look to it. Be afraid. Be very afraid.

[cdh]

at least they have finally incorporated some cup holders, though a bit of a reach

[Slowhands]

Originally Posted by rgreist

I have also taken to covering the whole tire with Armour All. Perhaps I, too, will win a World Championship.

Knowing Ferrari, they probably didn't miss the part against the floor.

Originally Posted by cdh

at least they have finally incorporated some cup holders, though a bit of a reach

I personally like the 400,000 watt sound system right behind the driver's head.

I agree with Oldredracer, that car looks SERIOUS. Lewis better stop admiring his trophies and Alonso better be doing development in his SLEEP.

[cdh]

Originally Posted by Slowhands

I personally like the 400,000 watt sound system right behind the driver's head.

[cdh]

the 2008 MP4-23

here is an album of the new McLaren and Ferrari (nice Ferrari shots!)

[Slowhands]

Looking at the new versions of all the cars so far, to my very untrained eye, the Ferrari looks like it has had the most wind tunnel attention paid to it. Just seems to make the most visual sense, aggressive yet flowing, and clearly upgraded from last year. I hate to say it, but aerodynamically Alonso's Renault looks old and tired, and even the McLaren looks "last year." Maybe they haven't had time to develop aero yet (McLaren has apparently already announced that aero modifications are scheduled), but that means to me that Ferrari has got the jump at this point, running an aero package they want through the winter tests. The Williams looks the most interesting aerodynamically of the other cars, less complicated than the Ferrari but still aggressive.

[robbyracenut]

In my mind, the BMW is the most aggressive looking car this year. I mean, come on... It has got an engine cover so low that they had room to fit a second wing in above the engine cover but below the plane of the main rear wing. I'm looking forward to the much more humble and likable Heidfeld and Kubica being able to fight for podiums regularly this year.

[cdh]

She's a beaut for sure, lovely car

tri-wing particularly slick

[Slowhands]

I still like the Williams. Looks like Sir Frank hasn't been idle either. It's one aggressive, serious-looking machine. And from the looks of it, both Nico and Kazuki can roll it. I predict it'll be the surprise of the year.

And is this going to be the Year of Finns? The Finnish Face-Off??
Lewis is going to have his hands full.

Circuito Ricardo Tormo - Spain 24 January 2008
Pos. Driver Team Time Laps
1 K. Räikkönen Ferrari 01:11.189 88
2 H. Kovalainen McLaren 01:11.206 89
3 F. Massa Ferrari 01:11.831 96
4 K. Nakajima Williams 01:11.971 116
5 L. Hamilton McLaren 01:11.994 84
6 R. Kubica BMW 01:12.095 86
7 J. Trulli Toyota 01:12.109 96
8 S. Vettel Scuderia Toro Rosso 01:12.526 113
9 N. Heidfeld BMW 01:12.600 39
10 T. Glock Toyota 01:12.705 68
11 G. Fisichella Force India F1 01:12.949 93
12 N. Piquet jr. Renault 01:12.973 89
13 S. Bourdais Scuderia Toro Rosso 01:13.060 95
14 M. Webber Red Bull 01:13.133 15
15 N. Hulkenberg Williams 01:13.306 74
16 J. Button Honda 01:13.689 80
17 T. Kogure Honda 01:15.703 25

[AZRCD]

I think it's interesting to contrast the large surface, triple element wing of the BMW with the much more compact setup on the Williams.

[Slowhands]

Yet another racing "Batmobile?" Red Bull unveiled this engine cover fairing at Barcelona. I guess it's supposed to go with the "Gives You Wings" slogan. Looks cool, but don't know if it improves aero and if it will stick. It could be awkward come interview time to look like this while still running as a backmarker.

[wbs]

Cool look, hope the STR looks as cool, the team for which I again predict and hope a great 2008.

[AZRCD]

I was under the impression that they really wanted the engine covers to be much smaller than the rules allowed. Less cover extending rearward/the sooner it could drop down allows for cleaner less disturbed air flow over the rear wing.

Or at least this was my understanding I guess Newey is trying to use the mandatory larger cover to help direct and or channel the air?

[Slowhands]

Originally Posted by AZRCD

I was under the impression that they really wanted the engine covers to be much smaller than the rules allowed. Less cover extending rearward/the sooner it could drop down allows for cleaner less disturbed air flow over the rear wing.

Or at least this was my understanding I guess Newey is trying to use the mandatory larger cover to help direct and or channel the air?

The dome shaped airbox likely creates turbulence behind it, which increases drag and reduces downforce as it spills onto the rear wing. As you say, since he can't get a smaller cover, this may be Newey's experiment at cleaning up the airflow back here for better downforce on the wing and less drag. Who knows, if it works, other teams might pick it up.

[AZRCD]

Sharp eyes looking at the air intake! I'd be surprised if others picked this up simply because things like that usually seem be integrated into the packed from the beginning. In other words it seem like you have to account for such a part elsewhere not just add it one. Take for example those tall (ummmmmmm searching for a name here) scoops or turning vains or what have you that some teams mounted right on the side pods on the outside of the rad. inlets. This year Ferrari has a pair of very obvious ones. Those had been on Toyota and Renault and some other in previous years, but never on Ferrari. Seems they work or somebody feels they work, but they didn't show up mid year, they were integrated from the beginning. To sum, if it works I'd not expect to see it elsewhere until next year. On the other hand cars with wacky engine covers don't seem to last more than one year at a time, liket he '95 McLaren with it's mid wing.

Eh who knows?

[Slowhands]

Originally Posted by AZRCD

Take for example those tall (ummmmmmm searching for a name here) scoops or turning vains or what have you that some teams mounted right on the side pods on the outside of the rad. inlets. This year Ferrari has a pair of very obvious ones. Those had been on Toyota and Renault and some other in previous years, but never on Ferrari.

"sidepod panels"? I also didn't know the name but found it here:

http://www.f1technical.net/development/

If you don't know about this site, you will probably like it. User friendly. Still, I take no responsibility for any contusions or sprains it may cause to your mental musculature.

[cdh]

Originally Posted by Slowhands

I take no responsibility for any contusions or sprains it may cause to your mental musculature.

_______________________________________________

[cdh]

I looked again at McL wing and remembered what it reminds me of.........

[AZRCD]

Love Gary Larson.

[AZRCD]

http://www.f1technical.net/development/

That site is awesome!!!!!!!!!!!

[Slowhands]

Originally Posted by AZRCD

http://www.f1technical.net/development/

That site is awesome!!!!!!!!!!!

Thought you'd like it. Found it only a couple of days ago. Was looking at Doug's F2008 slide show and the photo of the steering wheel came up. Realized I had NO idea what all those buttons were for, so I typed "F1 steering wheel" into Google. When you started discussing engine cover regs, I thought-- aha! fellow junkie...someone else who needs a high-quality regular supply...

[wbs]

Originally Posted by Slowhands

Thought you'd like it. Found it only a couple of days ago.

Man, if only McLaren had known about that site last year, they coulda saved themselves $100M in fines!

[AZRCD]

Originally Posted by Slowhands

Thought you'd like it. Found it only a couple of days ago. Was looking at Doug's F2008 slide show and the photo of the steering wheel came up. Realized I had NO idea what all those buttons were for, so I typed "F1 steering wheel" into Google. When you started discussing engine cover regs, I thought-- aha! fellow junkie...someone else who needs a high-quality regular supply...

Just stick it to my veins!

[AZRCD]

On the Red Bull fin:

"Somewhat reminiscent of the dorsal fin that appeared on the ill-fated 1995 McLaren-Mercedes, the new fin is likely aimed at helping lateral stability, with flow from the rear wing being affected when the car slides. The new, more extreme tail section looks to be a workaround for the fin shrouding the rear wing. The top of the engine cover extends horizontally from the top of the roll hoop all the way to the rear wing.

As the fin is undercut, the flow to the wing can continue when the car slides, leaving the upper part of the fin high above the rear wing to provide the lateral stability. The solution aids the car’s stability particularly on corner entry, which is important this year, as the loss of the engine braking control on the single ECU makes the cars less stable. This fin could go some way to recovering some of the lost stability."

[cdh]

Spy Shot of the real 2008 RBR4..........gives you fins

[Slowhands]

now we're talkin'! THAT'S a diffuser!!

superior work as always

[rslonaker]

Doug,
That is cool, you should email that to someone at Red Bull.
Now there would be a neat change to the rule book. "All aero improvements must have an aesthetic appeal to fifties era styling, if the style panel doesn't like it, it is not allowed."
Rob

[cdh]

Originally Posted by rslonaker

..."All aero improvements must have an aesthetic appeal to fifties era styling."

endless photochop ideas!

"So.......is it the new Bluesmobile or what....?" Elwood

The Batmobull

[dalyduo]

Don't you mean 1958 spy shot?

Originally Posted by cdh

Spy Shot of the real 2008 RBR4..........gives you fins

[oldredracer]

Originally Posted by cdh

Spy Shot of the real 2008 RBR4..........gives you fins

rotflmao

RBR41959Caddy???

enjoy the game folks. It's gonna be good...but painful.

[chsutherland]

Fix the cigarette lighter

Originally Posted by cdh

endless photochop ideas!

"So.......is it the new Bluesmobile or what....?" Jake

The Batmobull

[cdh]

Originally Posted by chsutherland

Fix the cigarette lighter

lol, you reminded me I had the wrong brother in my post, sorry El___

[cdh]

one more, bringing some style back to F1

[Slowhands]

now that's simply BAD-ASS
I can hear the music already