After completing the first kilometers with the new single-seaters with ground effect, the teams have found an unexpected difficulty: when the car picks up speed, there is a rebound effect.
The technical regulations released this year in Formula 1, and which recovers the ground effect after decades of absence, has generated an unexpected problem for the teams, although not unknown.
Is he rebound effect or pouringwhich consists of the car going up and down repeatedly at high speed.
what is the pouring
This has its origin in a sudden downforce loss. Ground effect cars improve their performance the closer to the asphalt they roll. As they gain speed, the suction is greater and this sticks the car to the ground.
But, if there is a variation in pressure due to a poor configuration of the same or irregularities in the asphalt, this effect disappears and car jacks up.
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The pouring It is very annoying for the driver on the straight, but if it occurs in a fast corner, it is also dangerous because the sudden loss of load makes the grip disappear.
Although some teams are suffering more than others, as is the case with Haas and Alfa Romeothis is a widespread problem throughout the grid.
Easy to avoid, complex to optimize
Mattia Binotto has spoken about it, noting that “most of us have underestimated the problem. Setting these cars up in ground effect is different. It is a learning process. I think solving it can be quite simple.”
But, according to the director of Ferrari, it is more complicated “optimizing performance, because it should not be a compromise, since you should try to avoid the bounce by getting the most out of the performance of the car, that could be a less easy exercise ».
Who will take advantage?
Therefore, one of the main objectives for the teams is to find a way to keep the suction stable at high speed. And Binotto believes that whoever gets it first will get an advantage in the first few races.
“I’m pretty sure at some point the team will come up with a solution.. How long will it take? Those who arrive earlier will have an advantage at the beginning of the season, “acknowledges Binotto.
“Some elements are not easy to assess in the wind tunnel and simulator, and we all face the same problem. The biggest problem is not to solve it, but to be efficient. The speed with which the team will react will be the key for the first few races », he concludes.
Photos: Motor.es