Williams final race fin

**Adam43** · 20 Oct 2003, 19:59 (Ref:757406)

This is something that I only really noticed the size of it in post race pictures (I don't think this has been mentioned before).

I presume it is similar to these devices that have appeared many times before and are on a lot of single seater cars nowadays. Not quite the same as a D-Type fin I seem to remember Penske introducing the modern version in Indycar in the mid '90s. I think the idea is to keep the air movement over the rear wing more constant with changes in car attitude.

http://f1.racing-live.com/photos/200...diapoa_216.jpg

http://f1.racing-live.com/photos/200.../diapo_378.jpg

.

**Adam43** · 20 Oct 2003, 20:02 (Ref:757407)

BTW that one was from Suzuka.

This one is from the previous race (Indy)

http://f1.racing-live.com/photos/200.../diapo_313.jpg

I apologise for the Renault behind this one!
.

MrBluesman1 · 20 Oct 2003, 20:06 (Ref:757413)

they started using that back at Hockenheim if not the race before. Can't remember exactly when but it was before Monza even. It is used like you say to help with the airflow around the engine cover/wing area.
If I can find a pic I will post it. Will have a look in F1Racing mag

**Adam43** · 20 Oct 2003, 20:10 (Ref:757421)

They didn't use it at Indy! Maybe it is optional depending on circuit.

**Adam43** · 20 Oct 2003, 20:18 (Ref:757429)

Indeed.
Yes at Hockeheim:
http://f1.racing-live.com/photos/200...diapoa_201.jpg

No at Hungary:
http://f1.racing-live.com/photos/200.../diapo_310.jpg

MrBluesman1 · 20 Oct 2003, 20:29 (Ref:757441)

strange to me why they would use it at Hockenheim and not a high downforce ciruit like Hungry is and then again not at Indy which is in someways similar to Hockenheim now. I am pretty certain they only started using it in the 2nd half of the year.

Jordi · 20 Oct 2003, 21:04 (Ref:757469)

It was started to use at Silverstone I believe. Sauber also have some kind of fin.

twig · 21 Oct 2003, 08:38 (Ref:757962)

I think Sauber started using the fin a race or two after Williams did.

Led ZeppF1 · 21 Oct 2003, 11:47 (Ref:758162)

Quote:

Originally posted by Jordi
It was started to use at Silverstone I believe. Sauber also have some kind of fin.

I'm sure, it was started to use at Silverstone.

I think it was use in sircuit that demand high downforce (aero sircuit) like Silverstone and Suzuka.

Knowlesy · 21 Oct 2003, 14:42 (Ref:758358)

I'm sure I heard Martin Brundle or someone say that the fin was a device that made the car less sensitive to cross-winds.

Led ZeppF1 · 21 Oct 2003, 17:56 (Ref:758591)

I believe the FW25's new style engine cover is made for aerodynamic purposes.

I think the fin will take more air flow efficiency towards to the ahead engine air flow entrance, the entrance inside place will increase more and more air support the engine.

ElScOrChO · 22 Oct 2003, 04:41 (Ref:759000)

Sorry to interrupt you, but what the word "fin" means?
English is not my first language so if someone can tell
me what it is, that post might mean something!

GTV27 · 23 Oct 2003, 04:01 (Ref:760214)

Quote:

Originally posted by knowlesy
I'm sure I heard Martin Brundle or someone say that the fin was a device that made the car less sensitive to cross-winds.

Thats the trad use of a fin (a la D-Type), but the one on the Williams seems way too small to be effective for that.

I'm thinking it is to tidy up laminar flow off each side of the engine cover and deliver "cleaner" (ie less vortexy) air onto the rear wing (which I think tallys with what a couple of others here have hypothesized).

This could either mean less drag for a given rear wing setting or more downforce (or both?).

Led ZeppF1 · 24 Oct 2003, 10:00 (Ref:761714)

Quote:

Originally posted by AdamAshmore
This is something that I only really noticed the size of it in post race pictures (I don't think this has been mentioned before).

http://f1.racing-live.com/photos/200...diapoa_216.jpg

http://f1.racing-live.com/photos/200.../diapo_378.jpg

.

IIRC, I just think the new parts of FW25 was double fin (wing?) on the sidepod.

steve_r · 24 Oct 2003, 10:30 (Ref:761736)

Quote:

Originally posted by ElScOrChO
Sorry to interrupt you, but what the word "fin" means?
English is not my first language so if someone can tell
me what it is, that post might mean something!

Take a good look

at the pictures on this thread, and I'm sure you'll work it out.

**Adam43** · 24 Oct 2003, 10:41 (Ref:761742)

Quote:

Originally posted by ElScOrChO
Sorry to interrupt you, but what the word "fin" means?

It is like the things that stick out on a fish (not the tail)!

Hope that helps give you some background. And according to my babel fish it means aileron in French!

It does not mean Mika has come out of retirement to drive a Williams.

spearce · 24 Oct 2003, 10:44 (Ref:761750)

and the FINN's fought the Russians,
and the Russians are red.
So all fire engines are red.

Sorry - old joke - very long one !

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