Anyone hear if McLaren's 'triangle' cut out floor helped?

[TauToadmiester]

We know it was NOT enough to equalize with the double diffuser cars, not even Red Bull, but did this 'cutout/throat' help in making more downforce than a flat floor?

(its hard to imagine it did not via CFD/wind tunnel work data verification but it was also stated that the McL designers were throwing on changes w/o knowledge of total integrated car improvement, etc...)


Here's a diagram of what I refer:

http://www.formula1.com/news/technical/2009/0/630.html


PS: Thought more details might have come forth since end of season.

Thanks!

[newbie]

since they didnt race it, what do you think?

[wesley123]

since they didnt race it, what do you think?

well, then still it can help, but is it driver preference.

Im sure the cut out helped in some way, but with the b spec and thus an complete redesigned rear end it became obselete.

What my idea is on this cutout is that it reduces drag in front of the rear wheel, reducing wheel diffuser interaction.

[ESPImperium]

It was a stop gap for the third and 4th diffuser they ran at AUS and MAL for the third generation diffuser they had and the 4th generation they ran at CHI and BAH as the 3rd generation with the blocked DDD element.

It was rumored to get more air under the car to increase efficency of the DDD, basically giving them a minimum 1% more downforce.

Red Bull had something in my opinion that was simmilar, but not the same as it was built into their design philosiphy of the flick that was on the floor all season long.

Im refering to this part:


Im predicting that this part and the sidepod bardgeboards that hold the wing mirrors on may cars will be a major development warzone for 2010.

[wesley123]

great detail shot!

What seems is that that detail create some sort of vortex, in this case it mgiht be to seal the floor off more as it only seems to create an effect on the floors edges.

Also that detail helpes in conjuction iwth those sidepod shields keeping the air on the floorand aroudn the sidepods.