Like Ferrari, McLaren increased the vertical surface area of the MP4-23's sidepod winglets (see red arrow) in Valencia to maximise their ability to divert airflow. The winglets featured a completely vertical front edge as well as an increased height. This change increases the quantity of air...
These Valencia changes take on more significance in light of Raikkonen's engine failure. The inner side of the chimney featured a series of gills, similar to the solution used in Monaco, while the small endplates on the winglets were altered in profile (inset, blue arrow) to guarantee adequate,...
An interesting change to the RB4 in Valencia is the introduction of a curved upper link (inset) connecting the bridge wing to the top of the nosecone, as on the McLaren. This solution guarantees adequate stiffness in the bridge assembly, so that it doesn't obviously flex. It also helps to cut...
Not strictly new - it was introduced in Hungary - but it is interesting to note that Honda, along with all the other teams that debuted this feature in Budapest, have retained it for Valencia, despite the obvious differences between the new Spanish street circuit and the Hungaroring. This solution...
In Valencia all the teams have increased the dimensions of their brake ducts, especially at the front. The reason for this is related to the very severe deceleration at the end of most of the track's straights. This makes the new circuit particularly tough on brakes and the high ambient temperatures...
Ferrari introduced a horizontal slit in their front winglets at last year's Belgian Grand Prix and then revised the design slightly in Japan. For the first time since then, the team have abandoned the slit in Valencia in order to increase the winglet's vertical surface area and thus maximise its...
