Ferrari using ten year old technology on F2012

[Ferrari_Fanatic]

Feb.8 (GMM) A feature of the 2012 Ferrari car has not been seen in formula one for more than a decade, test driver Marc Gene has confirmed.

While the ‘stepped’ noses have been grabbing all the media’s attention, arguably more noteworthy is Ferrari’s decision to design its F2012 around ‘pullrod’ front suspension.

While some F1 teams have been using pullrod suspension at the rear of their cars, it has been essentially absent from the front since the 80s and 90s.

“The system seeks to lower the centre of gravity and improve the entry and operation of the air from the front to the rear to improve downforce,” Spaniard Gene wrote in the El Mundo newspaper.

“It was last seen at the front of Fernando Alonso’s Minardi in 2001,” he added.

After the first day of official testing on Tuesday, Ferrari designer Nikolas Tombazis said: “No one will be able to accuse us of having been timid in the design of this car.”

[h3ro]

I don't care if they brought back 1920's technology. If it wins, it wins.

I'm so glad that the team took 2011 as a wake up call to innovate and push the design of the car. We have the best, most complete driver on the grid in Fernando. We have to give him a car to lead the pack!

I'm so excited for the season to start!

[kazi]

Blown diffusers were also "10 year old technology" before RBR started using it again. Last seen on the McLaren MP4-16 in 2001.

There hasn't really been any "new" or "groundbreaking" technology in F1 for quite a while. The DDD is the only thing i can remember that hadn't been tried before Brawn did it in 2009.

[NJB13]

When was the wheel invested?

[Butterfly]

When was the wheel invested?

That's too funny :)

[Omegablue]

Blown diffusers were also "10 year old technology" before RBR started using it again. Last seen on the McLaren MP4-16 in 2001.

There hasn't really been any "new" or "groundbreaking" technology in F1 for quite a while. The DDD is the only thing i can remember that hadn't been tried before Brawn did it in 2009.

Aside from that, the last of the ground breaking designs were probably the semi-automatic gearbox by Ferrari... in 1989, and the active ride by Williams in 1992.

Benetton did test in 93 four wheel steering, but was quickly banned after one race.

Other than that not much comes to mind, except for the aero wings of 2008.

[Tifoso]

Benetton did test in 93 four wheel steering, but was quickly banned after one race.

I have never understood this. If it produces better steering cars....

I suppose you could argue that increases expenses, but if it could have possible road car application....

[Omegablue]

I have never understood this. If it produces better steering cars....

I suppose you could argue that increases expenses, but if it could have possible road car application....

Max Mosley and his crew left many decisions unexplained.

[MarlboroFA]

I have never understood this. If it produces better steering cars....

I suppose you could argue that increases expenses, but if it could have possible road car application....

it was and is already used in some road cars... the first to spring to mind are the nissan skyline and the toyota celica..

[REDARMYSOJA]

Benetton did test in 93 four wheel steering, but was quickly banned after one race.

Actually it was banned before Benetton ever used it, at least for the next season. Despite that Benetton tinkered with it and both Schumi and Patrese didn't see any benefit from it and even though it might cause some problems at high speed.

[Omegablue]

Actually it was banned before Benetton ever used it, at least for the next season. Despite that Benetton tinkered with it and both Schumi and Patrese didn't see any benefit from it and even though it might cause some problems at high speed.

You are right. They tested it on Friday practice at the Japanese GP of 93, but then run the car with it turned off.
The FIA official reason for banning it, was due to the new rules forbidding driving aids for the following season.

Here's an article about it.
http://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/2007/03/2...heel-steering/

[NJB13]

Aside from that, the last of the ground breaking designs were probably the semi-automatic gearbox by Ferrari... in 1989.....

Actually Mauro Forghieri designed this type of transmission 10 years earlier, however, his wasn't electronic (electronic technology wasn't ready when he had the idea).

[meh123]

EBD was there in 1983 with turbo engines. :)

Designs /solutions are copied in F1 and are "re-invented" many times...No problem using old tech as long as it can bring us good results :)

[REDARMYSOJA]

Actually Mauro Forghieri designed this type of transmission 10 years earlier, however, his wasn't electronic (electronic technology wasn't ready when he had the idea).

And Colin Chapman fiddled around with it in the early 1970's.

[sav_pap]

I don't mind even if we use a 100 years technology as fas as it brings results... Besides the team has already anounced that they took too many risks (in relation to other years) creating this year's car. I hope this year to be a replay of 2002 or 2004. I swear that I will never complain that F1 is boring if our cars are going to disappear from the first lap and create a 20 or 30 secs difference from the others.

[Stormsearcher]

it was and is already used in some road cars... the first to spring to mind are the nissan skyline and the toyota celica..

Wasnt it the Honda Prelude that first launched it in road cars back in 89?