P1racenews AI automatic summary:
The Racing Bulls machine which appeared for a shakedown at Imola appeared radically different to the Detroit launch renders, as Paolo Filisetti explains.
On Tuesday, Racing Bulls conducted an initial shakedown of the VCARB03 on the track before the official filming day on Wednesday. The wet Imola outing revealed significant differences from the digital renders shown during the Detroit launch event. Starting with the lower nose cone profile, which descends almost to the mainplane of the front wing, contrary to the initial renders that showcased a square appearance. The differences were also evident in the front-wing profile, particularly in the design of the flaps connected to active aerodynamic mechanisms enclosed in vertical fairings.
Additionally, both the front and rear suspensions are pushrod, yet notable differences exist in other areas such as the sidepod undercut, which almost disappears except below the inlets, resulting in a sidepod profile reminiscent of Red Bull’s 2021 car. The most striking aspect of the VCARB03 on-track was the engine airbox shape, featuring an extremely wide front section in the form of an isosceles trapezoid of unusual dimensions. This unique design hints at complex internal ducts, possibly incorporating additional features like the 2024 RB20 with two ducts on each side of the cockpit. The air intake’s large size emphasizes the placement of radiators and heat exchanges, justifying the car’s tapered side profile.
