Are we ready for Europe?

Source:espnf1
By sessions
June 13 2011

Mercedes GP has had moments of excellence and moments of sorrow.As our drivers return to Europe tied in points we can only hope our pace continues to increase.

Things are happening on every front. Firstly MS deserves a” thumbs up” for his Montreal performance that has evened up our drivers in the points race at 26 each.

Secondly It looks as though Nico will be handed to a lucrative long term contract until 2016 with promises of building the team around him. Thirdly Mercedes GP seems to be coming to grips (no pun intended) with tyre degradation. In preparation for Montreal the team spent extra time working the car with heavy fuel loads with good success. Nico said “the tyres were holding up well on a track known for high levels of degradation.”

This is a positive move in the direction of curing what has previously been considered a Achilles heel of recent races.

Lastly the FIA has confirmed its intention to outlaw blown diffusers from next months British Grand Prix. Teams have been directing exhaust gases to increase downforce, using elaborate engine mappings and exhaust layouts to direct exhaust flow underneath the car.

Charlie Whiting says, ”It’s being used to influence the aerodynamic characteristics of the car. We think, arguably, this infringes Article 3.15 of the technical regulations.

For 2012 the exhaust must exit behind the rear wheel centre line, actually 330mm behind, so right out the back of the diffuser. That means there cannot be any exhaust influence on the diffuser.

Mercedes team boss Ross Braun told the BBC that during qualifying pace will likely be affected, race pace is unlikely to suffer as much. He went on to say:”Unless the teams can show a major problem with the approach that means it’s not feasible, it will go ahead.”

It’s believed Red Bull is the biggest exponent of the blown diffuser concept. Some teams are suggesting its use explains the advantage the Milton Keynes squad is enjoying.