F1technical.net

In 2003 Renault R23 had a movable engine cover in order to achieve higher top speed . Of course FIA forced Renault to abandon this . Any new rule (strange) was not examined by FIA for movable engine covers . To refresh your memories in Malaysia 2003 Alonso achieved pole position even though the power of his Renault engine was insufficient for such an achievement (V angle 111) .
This is how it worked :
Ιn long straigts the engine cover end moved upwards shadowing the lower profile of the rear wing thus decreasing drag and increasing top speed . In corners the engine cover moved to its lower place in order to allow the lower profile of the rear wing to receive the proper airflow and produce downforce .
This elasticity may even occur today but i never noticed it . Does anyone have pictures of the movable Renault R23 engine cover from Malaysia 2003 or from 2006-2007 seasons ( V8 engine 750 PS compared to V10's 950 PS ) ??????

I don't know if this is what you mean, but I've noticed for some time now that the tip of the engine cover, as shown below:


vibrates like crazy at high speeds. I don't know if that's possible, but could it be that it disrupts the air around the rear wing at high speeds and makes it less efficient?

This is the V end of the cover , i am reffering to this

I noticed the Renault engine revd much lower back then, and I have the 2003 season DVD so i'll see if there's any footage.

Hmm, what a coincidence because I was watching the Japanese Grand Prix when Kimi passed Fisi on the last lap, and they showed many shots looking back at Kimi from Fisi's car. When they did that, that little end bit of engine cover looked like it was flapping back and forth, I didn't know if it was a decal coming loose or the actual car itself.

knowing how that part is connected to the car, I dont see where it could flex. BAR555 what is the course for this rumour?

Regarding the V-end of the cover - it's bound to flex unless there's a midwing.
But the idea about the movable (whole) engine cover is completely new to me

My friend Scarbs this is not a rumour , it's a fact .
(sorry i do not have better pictures and probably i was not so clear about the movable R23 engine cover )

This is how it worked

Do you have the same pictures of another car from that race on the same section of track?

It appears as though Renault had at least two versions of the tail end (V section) of the engine cover. The difference appears to be a wider section painted blue, which was the part that flexed at speed. The shape of the cover in this area looks like the flip ups and spine are shaped and cut back to allow the part to flex across its width somewhere in lien with the rear axle. I have a few images from a Silverstone test early in 2003.

I wasn’t aware of this development, I don’t recall the flex ever being a headline. Although I did have a bit of a year off during 2003 and what research I did on Renault was mainly on the OPT system. I do recall noticing the vertical flip ups between the rear wheels curved in at speed, but no one else seemed concerned at this movement.

If the panel rises at speed, then the it’s the flow passing under the flip ups and through the coke bottle shape that moves it up. If the pressure underneath the panel is enough to raise it then wouldn’t the rear wing performance be very similar at there’s a similar amount of flow passing over it, unless the direction of the flow was subtly different that lead to a reduction in downforce\drag.

Scarbs...


http://www.scarbsf1.com/Renault_R23_1.JPG

http://www.scarbsf1.com/Renault_R23_2.JPG

http://www.scarbsf1.com/Renault_R23_3.JPG

http://www.scarbsf1.com/Renault_R23_4.JPG

Hey you!!! FIA!!! No matter what weird stoopid rule you write, you can not beat enginners!!!

Tom i do not have yet , but i 'll try to .If you search youtube you will find the on board video of R23 Malaysian GP