This team has always been at the front of everyone when it comes to solutions in the area of the brakes. Stability during braking, it is extremely important in F1, and its absence makes it difficult to drive even for a hard driver. Any improvement in this area can give very tangible benefits.
The idea tested by a selected group of Lotus engineers in Abu Dhabi it is not new, but so far none of the other teams has effectively use it. The main goal is to stabilize the system of the front suspension when braking. Whit this development, the front of the car does not dive in to the asphalt, and in the circuit turns it maintains the aerodynamic characteristics of the structure. The system is fully mechanical and is supposed to be activated by the driver, which creates a natural association with the F-duct system.
The results achieved by the young drivers who have tested the Lotus car in Abu Dhabi can not say absolutely nothing about the system performance. If the engineers at Enstone actually managed to create a trouble-free height adjustment system for the front suspension, we are sure it will be considered a great success.
We are sure that this issue will cause a many discussions in the near future:
Article 3.15 of the F1 Technical Regulations states: "With the exception of the parts necessary for the adjustment described in Article 3.18 [the DRS], any car system, device or procedure which uses driver movement as a means of altering the aerodynamic characteristics of the car is prohibited."
Some days ago Lotus reveal that the adjustment of the ride height does not come from the driver action. Instead it is reactive to the torque of the braking and is related with the suspension. Therefore it cannot be classified as a moveable aerodynamic device. The driver is not involved, and the system is part of the suspension, so it means that it complies with the technical regulations.
You may like to read this article: Lotus works at Enstone
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