Paul Ricard testing

dumrick · Post 22 May 2006, 00:17

Jason wrote: Yeah I agree, you can't possibly test Monaco's aerodynamics at Paul Ricard. Both are completely different circuit with different layout.

Actually, the teams did it. Paul Ricard now allows for very different layouts, replicating lots of circuits' characteristics. Maybe Renault wasn't doing it at that stage.

walter · Post 22 May 2006, 02:04

BUT... would teams actually be testing new aero parts or just different wing angles??? isnt the better way of testing new aero parts be in a controlled environment such as a wind tunnel or a computer simulation?? I highly dowbt the road surface of monaco is anywhere as grippy as Paul Ricard race track surface... IMO tyres, suspension and engine are evaluated here rather than aerodynamics

f1.redbaron · Post 22 May 2006, 02:37

From toyota-f1.com:

The test programme concentrated on finding the right set-up and balance for each driver in addition to working on tyre choices for the coming races in Monaco and Canada.

And this is what Vasselon said:

The track was set up the first two days to simulate the coming race in Monte Carlo, with both race drivers working on their set-up of each car. With this track solution, we could get an idea of how the car would react and what choice of tyres we will need for the race.

So, I guess they can simulate the conditions at Monaco.

jaslfc · Post 22 May 2006, 02:48

i think paul richards is owned by bernie, and he is trying to push for it to hold a race

johny · Post 22 May 2006, 10:35

yes, i red something about a "mediterranean gp" with just VIP's but that's just a rumour

dumrick · Post 22 May 2006, 11:19

walter wrote:BUT... would teams actually be testing new aero parts or just different wing angles??? isnt the better way of testing new aero parts be in a controlled environment such as a wind tunnel or a computer simulation??

Nowadays, if you take a close look, there are different wings for high/medium/low downforces. That's about achieving the highest aero efficiency possible for each one of those general conditions. The fine tuning is then achieved adjusting their angles.
Also, new parts are usually first tested in CFD, then wind tunnel and then taken to the track for validation.

johny · Post 22 May 2006, 11:23

the last and the best place to test and the one that will say if it's good or not it's the track

dumrick · Post 22 May 2006, 11:26

jaslfc wrote:i think paul richards is owned by bernie, and he is trying to push for it to hold a race

I doubt it. The Paul Ricard has become the "Paul Ricard HTTT" (high technology test track) and must be now the only circuit in the world fundamentally dedicated for testing purposes. It includes a huge choice of different layouts and conditions, equipments for quick track inondation, for wet tyre testing purposes, lots of electronic equipment for analysis, etc.

Anyway, it would be nice to see back in the F1 championship the only circuit I lapped drunk in a bycicle in the middle of the night, with cars speeding around me!!!!!...