Rosberg changing down at low revs?

[peanutaxis]

One of the commentators even commented on hearing this during one of the first two practice rounds. Why is he doing this?

[rssh]

He is saving fuel by downshifting late into the corners . He has developed this style since he joined Merc and nowadays uses the same in qualy also ,also I think that the sudden torque exerted on the gearbox while downshifting is reduced considerably at lower revs so this technique might preserve gearbox too (I may be wrong on this one.)

[peanutaxis]

Yes. I'm skeptical that that isn't the reason. Firstly, they put the engines into fuel saving modes on four cylinders in the corners anyway. And secondly, Bahrain is the hardest circuit on brakes and Rosberg is making it worse by not using any engine braking! Thirdly, there is virtually no point at all in doing this is Qually.

[bhall]

I think this thread might be relevant here.

[peanutaxis]

I think this thread might be relevant here.

No not relevant.

Also, if it is a way to save fuel, why aren't all the drivers doing it? Particularly all the teams with Merc. engines.

[bhall]

Of course, it's relevant. MGP, along with Ferrari and the Renault teams, are using "off-throttle" exhaust to once again gain an aerodynamic advantage. The reason Rosberg downshifted late into corners is because the loophole in the regulations that allows such an effect is limited to when the engine is at >80% throttle and 15,000 RPM, which means the effect cannot be achieved under "normal" downshifting.

That's why I suggested the appropriate thread.

[aussiegman]

Of course, it's relevant. MGP, along with Ferrari and the Renault teams, are using "off-throttle" exhaust to once again gain an aerodynamic advantage. The reason Rosberg downshifted late into corners is because the loophole in the regulations that allows such an effect is limited to when the engine is at >80% throttle and 15,000 RPM, which means the effect cannot be achieved under "normal" downshifting.

That's why I suggested the appropriate thread.

+1..I would tend to agree this is a deliberate action to gain an aero benefit from the exhaust gases..

[bigpat]

I suppose it could be all these reasons, or just personal preference?

Watching cars brake ino turn15 in Melbourne, both drivers in a team had different techniques. Can also be car characteristics. I know Massa changes down early, as do the Toro Rossos. In years gone by the Saubers used to change down really late also.

May also be related to how the KERS systems harvest power. Depending how aggresive the system is, this affects the car's brake balance, of which the negative torque of downshifting can have a marked effect on....

Just my thoughts.....