Mclaren update..

[markb]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/8617686.stm

They don't sound too worried do they?

[FW14B]

I'd be more concerned if they showed fear, as a top team they have to play their cards close to their chest so not to alert the other teams to any weaknesses.  I would be surprised if, given their relative pace, they put out any negativity.

[John S]

The last few paragraphs almost go into 'Ron speak', so have Macca abandoned their attempts to develop and use a 'ride height' suspension system or not?

I am inclined to believe they wont run any thing in China but as to the future.......???

I also get the impression they still think Bed Bull have something on their car, the big problem for Macca and everyone else is what?????

[markb]

The last few paragraphs almost go into 'Ron speak', so have Macca abandoned their attempts to develop and use a 'ride height' suspension system or not?

I am inclined to believe they wont run any thing in China but as to the future.......???

I also get the impression they still think Bed Bull have something on their car, the big problem for Macca and everyone else is what?????

The problem is though John, they know R.Bull are up to something but they can't prove it!!!

[andyb]

Oh its all spouting for the media. They are just Pi**ed off because they cant cheat to catch up the redbull which has been declared legal. As a Ferrari fan i am worried about Vettel's pace, but really dont fear McLaren at all as i think they will go backwards as others do develop the F Duct. Williams is right McLaren will never show fear because they are a big team with high ambition but behind closed doors they are really Sh**ting themselves :p
We all know Ferrari will win

[markb]

Lets hope your horse keeps "prancing" for your sake, and not fall flat on it's a..se! Enjoy

[andyb]

A prancing horse with three legs sitting on its ar*e and no eyes would be quicker than lewis and all his toys he needs with him to throw out of his cockpit.

[lkjohnson1950]

Now, now, play nice. Ride height adjustment is not new. Ground effects cars all had it after skirts were banned. That's why planks were introduced. I haven't seen anything saying you couldn't adjust the ride height during the race. Is that allowed? I have seen a system using a third spring/shock. I think it was in CART. Anyone?

Lonny

[Jericoke]

Now, now, play nice. Ride height adjustment is not new. Ground effects cars all had it after skirts were banned. That's why planks were introduced. I haven't seen anything saying you couldn't adjust the ride height during the race. Is that allowed? I have seen a system using a third spring/shock. I think it was in CART. Anyone?

Lonny

During a race is fine, but getting that done in a 4 second pit stop might be tricky.

The issue in play is that you cannot change it between qualification and the green lights... no one can figure out why the RBR can ride so low during qualification, and then not bottom out once filled with fuel without making that adjustment.

Just a random engineering question though... when are the cars filled for the race?  If it's done right after qualifying, that would give the RBR about 23 hoursin parc ferme to 'settle'.  A mechanism that self adjusts very slowly would work.  (I don't know how to make such a mechanism, but it would fit the letter of the rules, and the clarification)

[lkjohnson1950]

The system I'm referring to could be adjusted on the fly by the driver, with a mechanism similar to adjustable sway bars. Speculation now is that Red Bull has a self adjusting system similar to what some luxury cars use for "self leveling".

Lonny