P1racenews AI automatic summary:
The FIA has abandoned the unsightly rain wheel cover solution aiming to mitigate spray from Formula 1 wet weather conditions. Mercedes originally tested a solution last term at Silverstone with Ferrari running two more aggressive wheel guards at its Fiorano test circuit in the build-up to the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. The motorsport governing body […]
Mercedes and Ferrari experimented with different wheel guard solutions at Silverstone and Fiorano to address the spray issue in wet races leading up to the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. The FIA’s investigation into mitigating spray in wet races with ground effect cars revealed challenges in finding an effective solution. Despite Ferrari testing wheel covers, the spray generated by rear diffusers led the FIA to abandon the wheel guard plan. The FIA’s Single Seater Director, Nikolas Tombazis, explained the challenges and outcomes of the tests conducted by Ferrari and the governing body. Ferrari’s Reserve Driver, Oliver Bearman, also observed the limitations of the wheel covers during testing at Fiorano. Tombazis mentioned ruling out diffuser-blocking solutions and emphasized the importance of finding effective measures to prevent race cancellations or delays in extreme wet weather conditions.
