The FIA is stepping up its game with a technical directive at the Belgian Grand Prix.
- High-resolution 4K cameras will now be mounted on select F1 cars to track front wing flexibility.
- The initiative seeks to improve understanding of front wing behavior under race conditions.
- These changes aim to see if teams exploit factors like temperature for added wing flex.
- The current testing methods remain valid, but more data is desired for future rule refinements.
In a new push to ensure fair play and safety in Formula 1, the FIA is installing high-resolution 4K cameras on the front wings of certain F1 teams’ cars. Starting at the Belgian Grand Prix, this move aims to closely monitor the flexing of these wings during races. The measure seeks to gather data that could influence future regulations by understanding how these crucial parts behave under racing conditions.
The use of cameras comes as current forward-facing camera equipment does not provide a complete picture of the front wing due to its limited angle. By capturing a broader view, these 4K cameras will document the rotation and movement through various speeds and conditions. While the FIA has not disclosed which teams will feature these cameras, the organization underscores that all wings tested thus far comply with the existing rules.
A key part of this initiative is the understanding that while the static load tests have been effective, the FIA suspects that some teams might be leveraging secondary factors, like aerodynamic forces or temperature changes, to create additional flexibility in the front wings. The new camera setup focuses on specific wing surfaces where painted target dots will help track movements more accurately.
This comprehensive evaluation is designed not just to maintain the integrity of the sport but to enhance its future framework. Teams will need to provide further details such as their front wing flap settings if requested, giving the FIA deeper insights into the designs and behaviors of these components.
Although technical directives like this don’t automatically translate into formal regulations, they represent a significant step towards refining the sport’s rules. The hope is that by amassing detailed data over a series of races, the FIA can determine whether current testing methods need updating. After data collection on Fridays, teams can reposition cameras to their original locations.
The FIA’s latest move to monitor front wing dynamics is a forward-thinking effort to keep F1 both fair and cutting-edge.
