ferrariman Wrote:
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> they've suddenly 'realised' that closed cockpit
> is more aerodynamic - i believe thats a load of
> rubbish
>
> I read that the new rules forced all LMP1 cars to
> be closed cockpits from 2011, so it seems like
> they're bigging themselves up that they came up
> with the idea - cheats lol!
There are a number of aero changes for 2011, including fins, new rear wings, different under nose regulations. It is entirely possible that whilst open top was faster, coupé now is. Audi has also shifted its concentration to Le Mans only. The R10 and R15 were designed to run on a massive variety of circuits, from ALMS, LMS, Asian LMS and Le Mans. Unfortunately the budget was cut and the R15 never really got a proper run on the variety it was intended. The R18 was designed knowing it was specifically for Le Mans, and not to run around Long Beach and Lime Rock, so it was naturally going to be significantly to the previous models.
The forced coupé rules start in 2012, not 2011.
BTW, the rear part looks like an F-Duct. Maybe they're going to introduce it for LMPsThe ACO specifically banned the use of wing stalling devices, so an F-Duct isn't possible, even in a completely different concept.
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