FIA unveils radical wing concept
Formula One racings governing body, the FIA, has revealed plans
for an innovative rear-wing design which it says could dramatically
increase the amount of overtaking in the sport.
The Centreline Downwash Generating (CDG) Wing is effectively two
small rear wings - one over each wheel - with a clear gap in
between. This gap would create a wake in which a following car
would generate more downforce, allowing them to run much closer to
the car in front through corners, hence making passing
easier.
The FIA hopes to see the design introduced as early as 2007 in
conjunction with a return to wider wheels and slick tyres. The idea
will be presented to a meeting of the Formula One Commission in
London on Monday, where future regulations will be discussed.
The CDG Wing marks the first results of the FIAs collaboration
with technology partners AMD, researching ways of improving the
aerodynamic performance of a car when trying to overtake.
This new research is important for the future of Formula One,
said FIA President, Max Mosley. By introducing the CDG wing we can
give motor sport fans exactly what they have asked for,
wheel-to-wheel racing with much more overtaking.
It is our hope that the teams will collaborate with us in the
optimisation of this radical new idea so that the aerodynamic
benefits can be introduced into Formula One in 2007 rather than
having to wait until 2008.
Major revisions to the aerodynamic regulations introduced in 2005
achieved their objective of cutting speeds. The downside was
increasingly intricate bodywork designs which created high levels
of turbulence behind the cars, making it more difficult for
following cars to overtake.
