Formula 1
Teams test rules to limit at Barcelona test
As ever in Formula One, rules are being pushed to the limit, as the Barcelona pitlane revealed on Thursday. The wheel covers that became commonplace in F1 last year have been banned, but at the Spanish circuit Ferrari was testing an innovation on ...
GMM
Published: Feb 26, 2010, 5:32 AM
Copy link
Share on Viber
As ever in Formula One, rules are being pushed to the limit, as the Barcelona pitlane revealed on Thursday.
The wheel covers that became commonplace in F1 last year have been banned, but at the Spanish circuit Ferrari was testing an innovation on the wheels of the F10 car.
Even though Fernando Alonso's progress was halted with an early technical problem, it was clear that his wheels have taken on a more aerodynamic shape since the Jerez test last week.
To ban the 2009-like wheel covers, this year's rules state that no devices may be physically attached to the wheels or wheel nuts.
But while the F10's wheels resembled the other conventional wheels on track last week, on Thursday at Barcelona they included circular inner rims that appear to have been designed with airflow in mind.
Another rule for 2010 states that "powered devices which assist in lifting any part of a car are forbidden in the pitlane during a race".
But at Mercedes GP, mechanics were testing new quick-release pit jacks that operate with the use of purely mechanical and spring-loaded triggers, rather than electronics or pneumatics.
There have also been some insider rumblings - most notably from within Red Bull Racing - about the design of the new McLaren MP4-25 car.
It is believed that some of the air flowing into the airbox above Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button's heads is being channelled not to the engine, but also to the rear of the car for aerodynamic purposes.
Also on Thursday, Virgin's woes continued. After the new British team's Jerez test was marred by hydraulic troubles, Lucas di Grassi crashed the VR-01 when the Barcelona test kicked off.
He hit the barriers with the rear of the car in turn 9, causing significant damage to the black and red single seater.
Mark Webber's Red Bull was the fastest runner at the time of the latest red flag around lunchtime.
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 Soucek may test Virgin in Spain this week
Next article Williams Barcelona test notes day one
Top Comments
There are no comments at the moment. Would you like to write one?
View More & Comment
More from
GMM
The season is still very long - Rosberg
Formula 1
Formula 1
The season is still very long - Rosberg
Jules Bianchi's father speaks of family's continued hopes
Formula 1
Formula 1
Jules Bianchi's father speaks of family's continued hopes
Sauber under no illusions about constructors' position
Formula 1
Formula 1
Chinese GP
Sauber under no illusions about constructors' position
More from
Jenson Button
The greatest F1 campaigns with no wins
Formula 1
The greatest F1 campaigns with no wins
Fernando Alonso earns Michael Schumacher comparison from Jenson Button
Formula 1
Formula 1
Italian GP
Fernando Alonso earns Michael Schumacher comparison from Jenson Button
Who belongs on F1's Mount Rushmore? Pick your four greatest drivers
Formula 1
Formula 1
Who belongs on F1's Mount Rushmore? Pick your four greatest drivers
More from
Ferrari
Charles Leclerc reacts to Ferrari fear: 'We know what line not to cross'
Formula 1
Formula 1
United States GP
19 h
Charles Leclerc reacts to Ferrari fear: 'We know what line not to cross'
Why Ferrari failed to deliver on its hype in F1's United States GP qualifying
Formula 1
Formula 1
United States GP
Why Ferrari failed to deliver on its hype in F1's United States GP qualifying
Latest news
Franco Colapinto responds to Jeremy Clarkson’s controversial comment about him
Formula 1
F1 Formula 1
United States GP
40 min
Franco Colapinto responds to Jeremy Clarkson’s controversial comment about him
WRC legend Carlos Sainz set for Ford Puma Rally1 outing
Other rally
Misc Other rally 1 h
WRC legend Carlos Sainz set for Ford Puma Rally1 outing
Who slept worst last night: Lando Norris
Formula 1
F1 Formula 1
United States GP
1 h
Who slept worst last night: Lando Norris
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