Red Bull RB8

There is always a hole/inlet in the nose. I believe it is just to help cool the driver's feet.

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As low as is physically possible; by which I mean the seat rests on the floor.

 

how in the hell does that look a "lot" better than the ferrari??
thats slightly less ugly then the ferrari but thats about it

 

Eh? I don't think anyone has said that in this thread, even if they may think it!

 

Just goes to show how hard the drivers have to work.

 

Am i alone in saying that it doesn't look particularly daring or inventive? I don't see a Vettel title win with this car.

 

I was then about to ask before I saw your post if anyone knew what that was. That can't be the reason surely?

Even if the air doesn't go anywhere significant (back on the RB8 step vent now) it would still help to tidy the air flow up around the step area. On some of the close ups though it looks sealed. Very strange.

 

Considering it has a massive hole midway up the nose I'd say it's the most striking car of the year, in the same way last year's McLaren was with the L-shaped (it's not a U) sidepods.
I expect it to be the best car, Ferrari just behind and then McLaren just behind them.

 

Without looking at any of the cars, this is the pecking-order I mentioned around Christmas/New Year. But although one might guess at or presume certain characteristics from photos - as I myself have - it is difficult to get a real idea of relative performance until they commence battle.

 

Standard launch procedure I presume, don't give the other teams any clues.

 

At what point on the car does the nose cone section of bodywork end, and the chassis begin? If the different 'step' on the Red Bull seems to give an advantage, will other teams be able to quickly knock off a copy, or is it too far back that it is part of the homogenated chassis, making it un-copyable?

 

I see Vettel dominating again in 2012 with this car............. well, now tell me that you didnt want to read that?

 

1. The Red Bull "vent" may just be designed to trick the other teams.

2. If there's any advantage Ferrari might complain to the FIA and get it banned.

3. It may be simply a cooling vent and so give no benefit.

4. It might be a very clever aero device that doesn't work or the benefits come with some disadvantages that counteract the advantages.

If after all that it is a big advantage, then it's hard to tell if anyone can copy it, McLaren probably least likely with their current design as it doesn't even have a "stepped nose".

 

I think so. I remember reading or hearing it somewhere, can't remember where, maybe on the practice commentary.

 

sorry, i should have made it more clear, i was talking about helmut marko's comment saying that their solution would be much better looking than ferraris

 

Aah, I'm with you now. Good old Helmut eh? - never one to compliment anyone external to his own hopes and plans…

 

I don't care if Vettel wins, good for him. As long as Hamilton makes a tit of himself i'm happy. Why so ****ing touchy?

 

What is the reason for your dislike of Hamilton?

 

Westy's law in action.

 

Maybe you should wait for the results of Jerez to make assumptions? Are you F1 technician? Do you know something that we all dont know?