P1racenews AI automatic summary:
When Formula 1 drivers roll out of the pits, you will sometimes notice they have a number of ‘aero rakes’ attached to the side of their cars. What are they and why do teams use them?
Aero rakes are crucial for Formula 1 teams to understand their new machines as they measure air pressure over the car with Kiel probes attached to a metal fence. These rakes, made of special alloys like titanium, help designers ensure correlation between wind tunnel simulations and on-track running due to limited testing allowed. Teams rely on simulations to head in the right design direction since they have to carefully run these rakes on the cars, with an accuracy of around 10 microns. The data captured from the aero rakes can create a map of airflow over the car, providing real-time feedback for the teams on the pit wall. The high speed changes of direction and forces faced by cars in Formula 1 make it essential for teams to use these tools to optimize performance on track. Stay up-to-date with all the F1 action by loading the 2024 F1 calendar onto your smartphone or PC.
