Good post Redhead.Redhead wrote:The reason this has only just come up is that although the stewards have been aware of the device for a long time, it has only just come to their attention that it could influence the aerodynamics. Who it was that brought it to their attention and why they didn?t twig to it earlier is a matter for conjecture, the most commonly mentioned culprit I have heard is McLaren.
Yes there are many other moving bits on the car that influence aerodynamics, such as tyres, but there are also a lot of specific rules for those components.
Renault submitted at the hearing that the TMD only had a slight influence on the aerodynamics, and they were probably telling the truth. My understanding is that the primary function of these devices is to settle the front of the car down as it bangs over the kerbs in chicanes and tight corners. I believe the Michelins have a more flexible sidewall than the Bridgestones, and as such the oscillation as the inside tyre hits the kerb would be greater. The vertical inertia induced by these oscillations would feed through the front of the car to the outside tyre disturbing the vertical load and having a deleterious effect on grip and driveability and therefore corner exit speed, which on chicanes and slow corners leading onto long straights is critical.
If this is correct and I?m happy to be proved wrong, it would explain why it would affect the Renault more than Ferrari, but Macca?s are also on Michelins?
I don't know much about aerodynamics to contribute however this decision by the FIA clearly shows their incompetence regardless of who the culprit is (which in my view has to be Ferrari as they are the only ones fighting for the championship with Renault).
On the tyres, I think a few years ago Bridgestone and Michelin had very different tyres but I think this year they are very similar as Bridgestone have become more Michelin like.