bhallg2k wrote:
I think the aerodynamic limitations enacted for safety reasons specifically concern ground effect downforce, because any deviation in the distance between the floor and the track - especially due to curbs - make such downforce unstable and therefore unsafe.
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partly agree, but on the other hand, a rear wing/front wing failure on a current car, would make it pretty unstable/unsafe as well.
I think, the discussion on here now has involved into a different direction, seems that the "real" question is >> Why do they limit mechanical areas/development so much<< or >> why do we have the rules we have <<.
I guess, that's because that is what most of the teams want - simple. If you see the current "rule making process", it's to 98% the teams who make the rules.
On here, it sometimes sound like that "let's blame the FIA for it" it's a common assumption, but I'm not sure that this is entirely correct. So all the "manufacturers" of engines, are quite happy to "play along" with it.
And if manufacturer XY comes and says I want xxx kJ KERS, then some other teams will block the move, so at the end, it seems that we end up with the smallest common denominator.
Tyre war? was great - No? - well unless you where on the "wrong tyre", and I know, that back at the time, the likes of Mercedes, BMW, Honda etc. where not so happy, that all the talk was about Bridgestone vs. Michelin, and if track XY will be a Michelin or Bridgestone track.
Most of the general media coverage was on that topic, not on the "awesome engines/gearboxes" or whatever.
So the manufacturers felt a little bit "short changed" for all the money the spend, compare to what the general public was talking about --> tyres. ( a bit like today
)
Have a look on this Forum, what is the most talk about topic? Aerodynamics !! Why? because people can "see it".
Why not talk about damper curves, injector spray patterns or strategy software algorithm ? - Is it so boring?
Do you think, if we opened up the engine regulations (I'm all for it btw), people on here would start to discuss cam shaft profiles and valve angles?
Or if team xy makes a better KERS battery then team zy?
I don't see much discussion on here about roll centre height, motion ratio's, rocker geometry, damper curves or spring rates used. Why is that?
Are most fans these days aerodynamic experts? Or is it just, that this is the only thing you can see with the naked eye on TV or from the grandstands?
Why do Renault & Mercedes play along, if road car relevance is so important for them?
Why not go and race in LeMans, if this is now perceived as the "holy grail" of "green"-technology & road relevance?