Few minor upgrades were introduced at China’s Grand Prix this weekend as the team tackles long-distance races.
A week after the season-opening Australian Grand Prix, the second race in Shanghai is once again a long way from each team’s own factories. Additionally, four teams, McLaren, Red Bull, Mercedes and Aston Martin, are given a free exemption for breaking overnight at night due to delayed arrival of cargo.
As a result, it is not surprising that only four teams submitted new components to the FIA. This component features a new rear brake duct winglet that McLaren will improve aerodynamic performance.
Racing Bulls now has two new components available to certain circuit needs in China. Both an additional gurney flap on the front wing and a two-element beam wing can provide additional downforce at high downforce venues if necessary.
Williams follows a similar approach with a larger rear beam wing, and the team explains: “The new beamwing options with larger areas than previous versions simply generate more load and drag from the rear wing assembly. This effectively increases the load on medium downforce circuits.”
After the season’s point scoring start in Australia, the stake has a new engine cover for the second race. The team says that it is a test item that has a potentially positive effect on the flow field around the bodywork surface and improves both the overall downforce and aero efficiency of the car.