Tech developments for Bahrain

[CarlosFerreira]

It's only been three races so far in 2009, and already all but two teams have scored points (thanks no doubt to rule change, one monsoon with shortened race and another wet race): Force India and, infamously, Ferrari.

Time to pick up the development pace for those two. Neither has a Double-D Diffuser so far, so development has to be on the way, surely. And, as you would expect, there's a new floor and diffuser for Bahrain. For... huh... Force India:

Force India are making major revisions to their car for this weekend’s Bahrain Grand Prix, as the team continue the search for their first Formula One points. A revised floor and diffuser will be among the changes debuting on the VJM02 at Sakhir.
...
“We are planning to introduce a significant aerodynamic upgrade for the Bahrain Grand Prix, including a new floor and an interim diffuser,” Mallya confirmed. “Amongst other items, we also plan to use new auxiliary wings on the front wing and reprofiled sidepods to incorporate the amended rear end.”

The changes are not merely a response to the recent double-decker diffuser ruling, but have been planned by the team since the VJM02’s debut (at the end of February) as part of their aerodynamic development programme.

source: http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2009/4/9226.html

What the heck is wrong with Ferrari? Did they run out of carbon fibre in Maranello, or something? I can't wait to hear Ian Phillips, F-India's business director, commenting on the second Friday practice; he's going to be sooooooo smug!

[Enforcer]

I dunno, over the last couple of seasons Spyker and Force India have had new developments at races that they were very excited about (Spa 2007 in particular) which didn't move them off the back of the grid...

[alvaro3d]

Probably this development moves them in front of .................. Ferrari wich not quite an achievement right now

[alvaro3d]

http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2009/1/8840.html

[CarlosFerreira]

Domenicalli was right, of course. The fact is that the catch-up crew are in for a shock expense when trying to get back: they'll need completely new aero packages overall, with 2 or 3 interim designs. Estimates by Gary Anderson range in £5000; Martin Whitmarsh has said it might cost McLaren in the region of £10000. And, remember, with no guarantees of really catching up.

Either way, a team like Ferrari, that has some 800 people (compared to F-India's 350 or so), it's surprising they don't have an interim design yet, IMO.

[Henrique]

I just saw some pictures of Bernie Ecclestone's car collection at Bahrain. The collection includes Brabham's infamous fan car. Maybe they should try something like that

[Captain Hammer]

Either way, a team like Ferrari, that has some 800 people (compared to F-India's 350 or so), it's surprising they don't have an interim design yet, IMO.

It's only been a week since Shanghai. Following the diffuser ruling, Renault could only make one in the space of a week, and a new diffuser is not an entire overhaul of the aero package (depends on how complex the rear of the car is, really).

[CarlosFerreira]

Sure. However, I am willing to bet most teams have been working on it since Toyota and Williams came out with the diffusers, and haven't put them on the cars simply because they were waiting for the WMSC appeal result. So, 2 days after the appeal was know, McLaren had 2 cars with diffuser, Renault had 1; a week afterwards, F-India joined the club.

I honestly think there might be something not working well in Ferrari's tech development department. Were they honestly believing they would win the appeal against the Double-D diffuser teams? Did they bank on politics and forgot tech development along the way?