Analysis: Raised Rear Wishbones

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For many years the shape and position of the cars suspension elements have been an important factor in the cars aerodynamics. For 2013, almost every team have taken the same approach pioneered by Red Bull in 2012, by raising the rear lower wishbone. In doing this the teams have also oversized the wishbone’s cross section to enclose the driveshaft. It transpires that there are two gains from this practice, primarily improving flow over the diffuser and secondarily reducing the aerodynamic effect of the spinning driveshaft.

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Red Bull RB9: Ducted Nose Slots

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Following on from the under nose slot of two years ago and the letterbox slot of last year, this years Red bull continues to explore aero solutions around the nose box.  However with revised nose rules this year, it’s an idea from Sauber that found its way onto Newey’s drawing board.  Now letterbox opening faces backwards and is joined to the slot below the nose with a duct, to overcome aerodynamics issues presented by the nose box.

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