OK. Since the speculative cat is out of the bag, here's what I bit my tongue on - and it may still be in my cheek: If Bobbinz gubbins is a mass (weight) mounted in such a way that it can rotate about (or slide along, or better still: both!) a point in the vicinity of the front axle line, it would have the effect of altering the centre of mass of the whole vehicle. Recently - and in this forum - we spoke of car balance in terms of relative grip at each end of the car. I cannot remember which thread it was so no link right now but in it, I mentioned that a tyre's grip is improved when it is under greater load (extra weight helps maintain traction). If Bobbinz gubbins can move forward under braking and backward under acceleration, and/or even sideways when cornering, this shift in the centre of mass will have the effect of altering the weight distribution in favour of the wheels which are doing more work in the first place, thus enhancing their performance still further. In this sense it may be possible to have an 'intelligent' mechanism which, through inertia, automatically distributes more weight towards wheels doing more work, thus lending a helping hand; much as a motorcyclist should move forward under braking (to increase front tyre grip because the front wheel is doing all the work) and backward under acceleration, respectively.
Just not too far forwards under braking or too far backwards under acceleration otherwise said motorcyclist may have a rapid meeting with the floor
Another point to add to the above: If such a mass can be mounted in such a way as to affect the structure upon which it is mounted (by dint of inducing a moment of inertia upon its mounting), it might be deliberately designed to distort it. If a mass mounted behind the front wheels were to rise, for instance, it might be mounted in such a way as to induce a corresponding dip further ahead. I am beginning to wonder if something similar may be what Red Bull have so successfully employed (and concealed) to induce their magical 'flex' at the front of their car, whilst all parts remain rigidly mounted and therefore capable of passing all load testing?…
haha cosicave sliding ballast would be absolutely fantastic haha That was the karting thread, break and lean forward, accelrate and lean back, turn to the right lean to the left and vice versa
The ballast has to be a set amount over each axle give or take the odd kg, but how well strapped down does it have to be Its probably just a winglet to encourage a smoother flow of air after the disturbance of the front wing and nose.
Well, I began by saying that I bit my tongue and that it may still be in my cheek, but you, Forza, have asked the big 'Adrian Newey' question which one must presume McLaren is anticipating about at least something on the car. Legality or illegality is a conclusion reached according to either passing or failing the various methods of testing for compliance with regulations. Since this forms the very definition of 'legal', they only need to pass the tests, just as Red Bull have managed for so long (much to the chagrin of other teams and, to some extent, the FIA).
tech regs are quite strict on securing ballast, however you may chose to argue what defines ballast. Despite that I imagine it would become a banned aero device much like Renaults mass damper. I think it's purely aero.
At this point I should point out I actually don't know what bobbinz gubbinz is, I made it up about the magic ballast
I'm with you here Sea-Man, and quite possibly Adrian 'Mole' Newey too. At this point, I should also make it clear that I have no clue either, except to express doubt that it is primarily or entirely aerodynamic…
Great analysis here: http://scarbsf1.wordpress.com/2012/02/02/launch-analysis-mclaren-mercedes-mp4-27/
So it seems that the Bobbinz gubbins helps gets the required airflow to the sidepods and diffuser while still having a low nose. It seems that Mclaren could have the best of both worlds in regards to low/high noses.
If McLaren have to change their exhaust design/layout again now, their season is finished for championship winning. Although they did announce they are trying atleast 2 different design concepts. It's exciting to see what they're going to come up with I think.
Their exhaust looks fairly legal with where it is and where it is facing. On the other hand the Ferrari exhaust seems to almost be aiming down, which in not legal. Really looking forward to RBs launch, usually the most exciting thing they do all year ;-)
Ahhh, Pre-Season Optimism, how I've missed you! Soon you will make may for Growing Pessimism only to finally be usurped by Depressing Reality. But for now, let us frolic in our ignorance of the future!
All this optimism for a close title race will soon be dashed when Red Bull unleash their car, I just know it.
I love being a pessimist me, as I find it so easy. However, over the last few seasons, this is pretty much the only time of year that I can bring myself to hope that McLaren will be better than Red Bull.
Realistically, Red Bull are unlikely to produce a duff car but there's always the chance that someone else will produce a surprise corker that can beat it, ideally McLaren for me, but you never know who it could be. That last bit's optimistic, I know, but it does happen. However, I expect my pessimism to set in suddenly at the end of quali in Melbourne.
