Analysis
Formula 1 Austrian GP
Bite-size tech: Toro Rosso and Renault brake drum heaters
The FIA's new directive for measurement of starting tyre pressures may have come too late in the development cycle for Toro Rosso and Renault, as they test their own devices to counter what others have been doing.
Giorgio Piola Matt Somerfield
Edited: Jul 1, 2016, 2:33 PM
Copy link
Share on Viber
Giorgio Piola's F1 technical analysis
Giorgio Piola is the preeminent Formula 1 technical journalist. View our full selection of Giorgio's technical illustrative content
Having already conducted some tests in Canada, Renault continues to assess the merits of pre-warming the brakes, including the disc, drums and other ancillary components as a method of improving performance, not only directly but as heat is radiated into the tyre.
As we can see, it is using a reflective cover on each of the four wheels which are pre-heated to a predetermined temperature by the heat blowers attached to them by the orange flexible tubing.
Toro Rosso front brakes
Photo by: Giorgio Piola
Toro Rosso is also experimenting with its own solution, which differs from what we have seen the other teams do, chiefly because its brake duct and drum configuration differs from the conventional arrangement.
Owing to the way its drum is open, to dispense airflow out through the wheel, along with its use of a blown axle it may be difficult to utilise a similar solution to Renault and Mercedes.
Similarly, as the team doesn't have a conventional air inlet scoop it cannot simply plumb the pipework into it as Ferrari and Red Bull do. Instead, it has opted to use a rubberised band, which is placed over the drum and above the general location of the disc.
This band is heated to the predetermined temperature and radiates into the selected components to help manage both the brake and tyre temperatures.
We want your opinion!
What would you like to see on Motorsport.com?
Take our 5 minute survey.
- The Motorsport.com Team
Read and post comments
Read also :
Share Or Save This Story
Copy link
Share on Viber
Previous article Verstappen: “Better to put a wall” than high kerbs
Next article Grosjean takes issue with Hamilton's "behaviour on track"
Top Comments
There are no comments at the moment. Would you like to write one?
View More & Comment
More from
Giorgio Piola
The fascinating story behind McLaren's most iconic F1 car
Formula 1
Formula 1
The fascinating story behind McLaren's most iconic F1 car
Emilia Romagna GP: F1 technical images from Imola's pitlane
Formula 1
Formula 1
Emilia Romagna GP
Emilia Romagna GP: F1 technical images from Imola's pitlane
The F1 downforce choices that proved key at the Saudi GP
Formula 1
Formula 1
Saudi Arabian GP
The F1 downforce choices that proved key at the Saudi GP
More from
Racing Bulls
Who slept worst last night: Nikola Tsolov
Formula 1
Formula 1
Singapore GP
Who slept worst last night: Nikola Tsolov
Racing Bulls "not in a rush" to decide between three "fantastic" drivers for F1 2027
Formula 1
Formula 1
Singapore GP
Racing Bulls "not in a rush" to decide between three "fantastic" drivers for F1 2027
Latest news
Manthey acknowledges IMSA to be "tougher than expected" despite two wins
IMSA
IMSA IMSA 8 h
Manthey acknowledges IMSA to be "tougher than expected" despite two wins
How a philosophy shift brought BMW to new heights in 2026
IMSA
IMSA IMSA 8 h
How a philosophy shift brought BMW to new heights in 2026
Fred Vasseur reveals two costly moments that denied Ferrari US GP double podium
Formula 1
F1 Formula 1
United States GP
8 h
Fred Vasseur reveals two costly moments that denied Ferrari US GP double podium
Cleetus McFarland set to compete full-time for 2027 ARCA championship
ARCA
ARCA ARCA 10 h
Cleetus McFarland set to compete full-time for 2027 ARCA championship
Feature
Discover prime content
Subscribe and access Motorsport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
You have 2 options:
- Become a subscriber.
- Disable your adblocker.
Subscribe now Already subscribed? Sign in here
Already disabled your adblocker?
Reload page
Manage Alerts
Subscribe