Williams FW34 Renault

[Huntresa]

Why is it that a curved bottom or w/e you wanna call it is seen and used for low downforce rear wings? I know williams ran the same last year but it was the other way curved then if im not mistaken at Spa.

[Owen.C93]

Yeah Williams and Renault have previously ran "w" shaped RWs.

[Sevach]

Last year's low downforce wing was in reverse, bigger in the middle, smaller near the endplates.
Looking at Crucial's photo, i also see a Mclaren style sidepod fin, right behind the mirror.

I also wonder if they'll test the Mugello exhaust.

[FrukostScones]

comparison, both Montreal

[Owen.C93]

I would hypothesise as to why it is the shape it is, but considering they've done the exact opposite before and I talked about that wing then I can't really be right for both lol.

[Huntresa]

Could they have a higher monkey seat that we dont see under the curved RW?

[beelsebob]

Could they have a higher monkey seat that we dont see under the curved RW?

Unlilkely – the purpose of the wing is to reduce drag, they don't want an inefficient chunk of wing in the middle.

[Owen.C93]

I've been waiting to post this image for a while in hi res but it just wont turn up. But it just shows the drastic step on the leading edge of the diffuser which you can see from the undershot posted before. (There was also some interestin slot type feature on the leading edge of the floor from that undershot but I can't confirm it).

[raymondu999]

comparison, both Montreal

Here was their 2011 Spa wing, which reversed the concept:


I remember them saying that they kept the extremities at a shorter chord for less drag, but tried to scavenge as much downforce as they could based off the middle section - which isn't in clean air anyways (from the airbox). I guess both have their own merits. I don't think a team such as Williams would double back on a wing configuration philosophy without good reason.

[Seamus]

McLaren inspiration?

http://www.formula1.com/news/technical/2008/793/547.html

[raymondu999]

Yup. At least that was the first time I remember such a wing.

[Huntresa]

But if it does what it says in the article, that it cut drag wouldnt the opposite be said for the other way around on the williams wing last year at Spa? I dont get how they can run both versions on low df circuits, cause they have to be opposite no?

[Seamus]

Honda RA106 - Canada
http://www.formula1.com/news/technical/2006/759/295.html

Renault R26 - USA
http://www.formula1.com/news/technical/2006/760/299.html

[Morteza]

Honda RA106 - Canada
http://www.formula1.com/news/technical/2006/759/295.html

Renault R26 - USA
http://www.formula1.com/news/technical/2006/760/299.html

Didn't see that coming! Thanks for the links!
Honda's rear wing looks very interesting

[hardingfv32]

But if it does what it says in the article, that it cut drag wouldnt the opposite be said for the other way around on the williams wing last year at Spa? I dont get how they can run both versions on low df circuits, cause they have to be opposite no?

+1

What is the normal description of the downforce level for Canada: High, mid, low?

Brian