Quantcast

Technical analysis of the BMW Sauber F1.08 Part2


By BMW Sauber F1 Team
November 13 2008

There is a rule of thumb in Formula 1: Standing still means going backwards. Vehicles change from race to race. The engineers are continually modifying the vehicles depending on the characteristics of the different circuits – the extremely long straights in Monza require a different aero package than the tight and slowcorners in Monaco.

BMW Sauber F1.08, Monaco, May 2008.

TechMonaco08

Willy Rampf: “Monaco demands maximum downforce. This means that parts are used where the aerodynamic efficiency is not particularly good, but which generate additional downforce. That is the circuit with the lowest average speed and downforce therefore has maximum priority there. We used the front wing with maximum downforce potential. The modified synchroniser retainer plates with the top deflectors combine with the flap to exert significant influence on the flow of air around the front tyres. There was also a small T-wing for more downforce on the so-called batman in front of the rear wheels. The rear wing with the steepest wing position and maximum tread pressure was used. This was also mounted over central supports on the gearbox. We used rim covers in a modified version for the first time, which also generated additional downforce.”

BMW Sauber F1.08, Montreal, June 2008.

TechCanada08

Willy Rampf: “Together with Spa, Montreal is the only medium-downforce circuit. The aerodynamic efficiency plays a very special role here. We used a front wing with smaller, modified flaps. The Tomcat wings also had to give way in favour of lower drag. The rear wing was again mounted on central supports and represented a new development. We alsoadapted the rim covers to the special requirements. No other circuit puts such a strain on the brakes as Montreal and we therefore paid particular attention to optimum cooling. Our onetwo victory was not only the reward for the racing team on the track but also for all those people who are responsible for the development of the car in Hinwil and in Munich.”

BMW Sauber F1.08, Monza, September 2008.

TechMonza08

Willy Rampf: “Monza is the only genuine high-speed circuit left in the calendar. We therefore used a low downforce aero package which was deployed exclusively at this venue. The main focus is on reduction of the drag. We accepted a thirty-percent loss of downforce compared with Monaco and used a completely different front wing with only two elements. While the Tomcat wings were omitted, there were two additional wings on the monocoque, known internally as Manta Rays, which conducted the air flow optimally over the engine cover and hence improved the effect of the rear wing. The side wings on the engine covers were omitted for reasons of drag. The rear wing was very different from the other versions which were used in the course of the season. It had a strikingly small main element and a much bigger flap with serrated Gurney. The synchroniser retainer plates with a clearly defined cutout were striking. They ensured a stable air flow when cornering.”

First Part at http://www.f1network.net/main/s491/st136092.htm

View a Printer Friendly version of this Story.

Bookmark or share this story with: