Williams FW28 - front-wing ears 17 March 2006
Introduced in Bahrain, this change takes on more significance at Sepang, where downforce requirements are higher. Two inner 'ears' are attached to the inside edge of the endplates (red arrow). These are a development of the fins seen in a similar position on last year's FW27, but they now have a wider role. Look closely and you discover they are divided by a horizontal slit, in effect creating two tiny wing profiles, or a double flap. The two ears work in the same way as a double-decker front wing, but are more efficient at raising the speed of the peripheral airflow, hence increasing downforce, with a minimal drag penalty.
