The Fastlane Motorsports Forum

So.... the problem at Spa was not that they could not drive in these conditions... but that they could not see because of the spray in these conditions. Is it about time F1 look at putting fenders on their cars to cover the tires and reduce spray? At least three options:

1. Add on snap on fenders that cover the rears of the tires and are only required for a rain race.
2. Put a body structure behind the rear tire like Indy cars do so as to limit spray.
3. Use a full body F1 car (like the Mercedes "Type Monza" in 1954-55).

Ruslan wrote: ↑2 years ago So.... the problem at Spa was not that they could not drive in these conditions... but that they could not see because of the spray in these conditions.

Half the drivers were also complaining about aquaplaning.

And the aero guys would be all up in arms over nasty appendages disturbing airflow.

MonteCristo wrote: ↑2 years ago

Ruslan wrote: ↑2 years ago So.... the problem at Spa was not that they could not drive in these conditions... but that they could not see because of the spray in these conditions.

Half the drivers were also complaining about aquaplaning.

Were they? It looked like the cars were good on the track.

Everso Biggyballies wrote: ↑2 years ago And the aero guys would be all up in arms over nasty appendages disturbing airflow.

So, full body F1 cars?

Ruslan wrote: ↑2 years ago

MonteCristo wrote: ↑2 years ago

Ruslan wrote: ↑2 years ago So.... the problem at Spa was not that they could not drive in these conditions... but that they could not see because of the spray in these conditions.

Half the drivers were also complaining about aquaplaning.

Were they? It looked like the cars were good on the track.

Of the interviews I saw during the broadcast they said they were.

But I'd err on the side of "excuses".

Ruslan wrote: ↑2 years ago

Everso Biggyballies wrote: ↑2 years ago And the aero guys would be all up in arms over nasty appendages disturbing airflow.

So, full body F1 cars?

Per the aquaplaning comments, they might want this:



They'd find something else to complain about though.

@Ruslan that Merc Monza-type is in my opinion the most beautiful F1 car ever designed....

We've said this before though. These Pirellis were never good in the rain. The Bridgestones were way better. I don't know what can be done to reduce spray but for sure there isn't enough wet tyre development going on. F1 has in the past started racing with worse conditions than what we had in Belgium. The fact of the matter is that the cars are not able to run on track whenever they need to use the full wets. They can only run when the track is good enough for inters.

Picci wrote: ↑2 years agoThe fact of the matter is that the cars are not able to run on track whenever they need to use the full wets. They can only run when the track is good enough for inters.

It's also due to parc ferme rules, not being able to change the setup before race. In the good old days (teehee) Sunday warmup helped with that.

MonteCristo wrote: ↑2 years ago

Ruslan wrote: ↑2 years ago

MonteCristo wrote: ↑2 years ago

Ruslan wrote: ↑2 years ago So.... the problem at Spa was not that they could not drive in these conditions... but that they could not see because of the spray in these conditions.

Half the drivers were also complaining about aquaplaning.

Were they? It looked like the cars were good on the track.

Of the interviews I saw during the broadcast they said they were.

But I'd err on the side of "excuses".

well, I am very far from an expert, but it looked quite raceable to me....if they could see.

Picci wrote: ↑2 years ago @Ruslan that Merc Monza-type is in my opinion the most beautiful F1 car ever designed....

I agree. I also think some of the early Can-Am cars were also great.

The advantage of full body F1 cars is:

1. No spray.
2. More advertising area.
3. With proper reinforcement, no wheel over wheel flips.

Ruslan wrote: ↑2 years ago

Picci wrote: ↑2 years ago @Ruslan that Merc Monza-type is in my opinion the most beautiful F1 car ever designed....

I agree. I also think some of the early Can-Am cars were also great.

Totally agree, especially the Can Am bit. Loved especially the Chevrolet-powered BRM P154 and March 707. Absolute monster cars in size and character. Actually I like most Can Am cars.

I thought the whole point was it's open wheel racing, if you cover the wheels then surely it stops being that.

Plus they would find another reason not to race, there was a lot of standing water and aquaplaning was an issue some mentioned that I heard.

Yeah Im all for keeping the wheels visible, otherwise they are Sports cars.

So the Mercedes W196 "Type Monza" is not a Formula One car?



Speaking of Fenders, this is the Lag-Talbot 26C in Le Mans configuration: