From GMM
Lotus could set the trend with the first major innovation of the 2012 season.
Finland's Turun Sanomat reports that Giorgio Piolo - arguably F1's most respected technical illustrator - has revealed that Lotus' new car features a radical braking system.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the system is similar to the mass damper innovation pioneered by the Enstone based team (then Renault) some years ago.
The innovation was reportedly discovered during the young drivers' test in Abu Dhabi.
Turun Sanomat explained that the driver-operated system involves adjustments to improve aerodynamic performance through the ride-height.
UPDATE
Autosport reported on Wednesday that the FIA declared the concept was fully legal.
The British magazine explained that the adjustment to the ride height - which improves aerodynamic performance and stability on the Lotus under braking - does not come from the driver.
Instead it is reactive to brake torque and is linked directly to the suspension, so it cannot be classified as a moveable aerodynamic device.
The fact that human input is not involved, and that the system is a part of the suspension, means it complies fully with the F1 regulations.
Lotus could set the trend with the first major innovation of the 2012 season.
Finland's Turun Sanomat reports that Giorgio Piolo - arguably F1's most respected technical illustrator - has revealed that Lotus' new car features a radical braking system.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the system is similar to the mass damper innovation pioneered by the Enstone based team (then Renault) some years ago.
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| Photo: WRi2 |
The innovation was reportedly discovered during the young drivers' test in Abu Dhabi.
Turun Sanomat explained that the driver-operated system involves adjustments to improve aerodynamic performance through the ride-height.
UPDATE
Autosport reported on Wednesday that the FIA declared the concept was fully legal.
The British magazine explained that the adjustment to the ride height - which improves aerodynamic performance and stability on the Lotus under braking - does not come from the driver.
Instead it is reactive to brake torque and is linked directly to the suspension, so it cannot be classified as a moveable aerodynamic device.
The fact that human input is not involved, and that the system is a part of the suspension, means it complies fully with the F1 regulations.