By BMW Sauber F1
April 20 2009

Following the Chinese Grand Prix, BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen talks about the FIA Court of Appeal's decision regarding the double diffusers and considers the consequences in the latest Track Talk. Dear motor racing enthusiasts,

The Chinese Grand Prix weekend had not even begun when the course for the future was set. When it came to the disputed 'double-decker' diffusers, the FIA appeal court reached a different conclusion to that of 70 percent of the teams, who were of the opinion that this design doesn't comply with the 2009 regulations. Obviously, this decision is a disappointment for us but we will accept it nevertheless. At least how the regulations have to be implemented in this area has been finally clarified.

However: the reduction of downforce and cornering speeds that was supposed to be the result of the Overtaking Working Group's contribution to the composition of the regulations has not been achieved, due to this decision. At the same time, the appeal-court ruling forces seven teams to make major investments in order to redesign their cars accordingly. An expensive, tricky and time-consuming task.

The fact is, whenever a grey area is discovered in the regulations, the wording should be unequivocal. A Formula One car represents the most complex piece of sports equipment on earth. Consequently, sometimes it isn't possible to describe every single detail exactly in words. However, such clear words are needed to avoid cost excesses and disruptions.

It goes without saying that we began working on the design of a new diffuser several weeks ago. This work represents an interplay between our design department and the aerodynamicists. The diffuser is the rear end of an entire aero package beneath the car. The concept is complex and only works if all the components up-stream - in the front area of the car - also are fully integrated. At the end of the day, it takes a far bigger effort than just copying a component and fitting it to the car. To channel the airflow beneath the car to the rear in a way that a double-decker design diffuser really produces more downforce, the entire aero package - from the front wing to the rear - has to be fully revised.

Several teams contested the race at Shanghai with modified cars, others announced that they will do so in Bahrain. Our staff in Munich and Hinwil are working flat-out. As planned, we will travel to Barcelona with a new aero package. Nonetheless, it has not yet been determined to what extent a modified diffuser solution will be integrated there.

Meanwhile, there is no doubt that we definitely have to improve as quickly as possible. Apart from that, there isn't much to be said about the Chinese Grand Prix. From their poor grid positions our drivers were involved in several race incidents in the rain. The result: zero points. We now have to forget this race as soon as possible and focus on Bahrain.

Sincerely
Mario Theissen

Theissen vows to improve, new (interim?) diffuser for Spain

Discussion started by BMW Sauber F1 (IP Logged), 20/04/2009 20:35

BMW Sauber F1
20/04/2009 20:35

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Zagloba
21/04/2009 01:33

sounds good to me.

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