RB2 unveiled
The RB1 was a direct descendant of the previous years Jaguar R5,
save for modifications imposed by the 2005 rules. In contrast,
change has been forced upon the RB2 from the outset, thanks to its
new Ferrari V8 engine. Along with its all-new transmission, this
has required Red Bulls designers to reconsider the entire
packaging of the car.
And it seems the Ferrari influence is not just limited to the
engine. The RB2s front and rear suspension, in terms of geometry
at least, shows close similarities to last years F2005,
particularly in areas such as the push rod links and the position
of the torsion bars inside the chassis.
Elements of the bodywork also hint at a Ferrari design philosophy -
the flat nose with a rounded tip and even the shape of the Pitot
tube (the speed sensing antenna mounted between the front wheels)
bear a striking resemblance. In fact, the parallels would suggest
that having the same engine as Ferrari may require very similar
aerodynamics in order for the package as a whole to perform
well.
What is also clear is that the RB2 has been finely honed in the
wind tunnel, creating a very refined aerodynamic body shape, every
part of which has been designed to impact as little as possible on
the airflow passing over it, hence minimising drag. The narrow
car philosophy, so popular in recent years, has been taken to new
extremes, with the bodywork wrapped incredibly closely around the
mechanicals within. The sidepods are as wide as the chassis at the
top, but then taper dramatically under the car, combining with the
bottom of the chassis to create a strictly defined channel for the
passing air.
The RB2's wheelbase is little different to its predecessor. In
theory, a smaller engine block with two less cylinders should allow
it to be shorter, but this is offset by the front axle being
mounted slightly further forward. The result should be a more
central weight distribution and hence a better balanced car.
