What is the difference between a wet and dry setup ?

[woohoo]

Hello!
What is the difference between a wet and a dry setup ?
Obviously the wet seup has more downforce from the wings, but what else ?

Why is it (often said) that the Torro Rosso's are good in the wet this year, while the Ferrari's are poor ?

[Scotracer]

I don't have time right now to right a proper post but a few major things that are different:

For the wet:

-The wet tyres are larger diameter so raise ride-height
-Softer, more progressive engine throttle map
-More rear-ward brake bias (closer to 50:50)
-Softer general suspension setup -- makes it more progressive and predictable

I'm sure everyone else will fill in the gaps

[MattF1]

Would a shorter wheel base help in the wet? (not that this is a setup option)

[majicmeow]

Tire pressures will also have a huge impact on wet weather performance. The pressure will affect both the contact patch of the tire, but also the ability of the tire to produce and retain temperature in the cooler weather.

Brake ducts may be smaller and you may also find teams running their wheel covers in an effort to retain extra brake temperature/keep water out of the brakes.

You may also be looking at camber/toe angle changes in the suspension to help position the tire more appropriately or to change the position of the contact patch relative to the car and/or the road.

Other than that, all I can think of is that teams, knowing it will be cooler, may adjust the cooling properties of the engine in order to maintain optimal engine temps. The engines make power in a very specific fashion so I suspect that temperature control is also a priority.

Just my 2¢

[joseff]

Wet tyres are also heavier, affecting weight distribution and reducing ballast placement options.

[Scotracer]

Would a shorter wheel base help in the wet? (not that this is a setup option)

I would think a longer wheelbase would be better as the car is going to be more stable/less inclined to turn. This would make it easier on the driver (if you are refering to Ferrari -- I have NO idea what their problem is, they use the same engine as race-winning STR so it can't be an engine drivability problem )

And majicmeow - I just remembered the taping of brake ducts after I turned my computer off last night. This is quite a big thing that the teams do - they really struggle to keep brake temperature in the wet.

[woohoo]

Thanks guys!

[CarsonAu]

Why more rearward brake bias?

Is it because there is less weight transfer when braking (i.e. less grip on road, have to slow down at a slower rate...less weight transfer to front tyres?)

[Crystalix]

I think yes ! This configuration is surely a more stable than the other, when the driver brakes.

[flatlander_48]

Why more rearward brake bias?

Is it because there is less weight transfer when braking (i.e. less grip on road, have to slow down at a slower rate...less weight transfer to front tyres?)

I think it would be to reduce the chances that you would lock the fronts...

[CarsonAu]

Isn't locking the fronts much better than locking the rears (and spinning?)??!??!?

[Jersey Tom]

Brake bias will move rearward. Less braking grip, less longitudinal WT, so you don't need as much forward. Otherwise you'll lock the fronts too easily.

Less lateral grip, so for same chassis roll you can go with a little more compliant suspension.. slightly softer springs and bars and dampers.

Tire pressure makes a good difference. Tradeoff between contact patch size and hydroplaning resistance. Higher pressures overall will tighten the contact patch up a bit and be a bit better to force water out. Plus you don't have as much temperature build up.

Keep in mind, laptimes aren't 100% setup. Some drivers are just better or more confident in the wet.

[marcush.]

right and wrong.
I´d say in setup alone you don´t find half a second,if the car is at least decently developped.
But if a car has a certain charcteristic it just kills the confi´dence of some driver and helps or inspires the other as we have seen for ages.
You míght be able to drive around some problems but to really shine most of the cars need a car that fits like a glove + a team wich is willing to go thru hell for the chap NOW no questions asked.

The wet and dry theme is basically done as you are not allowed to change much apart from front wing and brake balance after qualy.

[Scuderia_Russ]

We generally set wet tyre pressures about two or three psi higher than the equivalent we would run on a dry track with slicks.