FIA unveils radical wing concept Formula One racingÂ’s governing body, the FIA, has revealed plans for an innovative rear-wing design which it says could dramatically increase the amount of overtaking in the sport.
The Centreline Downwash Generating (CDG) Wing is effectively two small rear wings - one over each wheel - with a clear gap in between. This gap would create a wake in which a following car would generate more downforce, allowing them to run much closer to the car in front through corners, hence making passing easier.
The FIA hopes to see the design introduced as early as 2007 in conjunction with a return to wider wheels and slick tyres. The idea will be presented to a meeting of the Formula One Commission in London on Monday, where future regulations will be discussed.
The CDG Wing marks the first results of the FIAÂ’s collaboration with technology partners AMD, researching ways of improving the aerodynamic performance of a car when trying to overtake.
“This new research is important for the future of Formula One,” said FIA President, Max Mosley. “By introducing the CDG wing we can give motor sport fans exactly what they have asked for, wheel-to-wheel racing with much more overtaking.
“It is our hope that the teams will collaborate with us in the optimisation of this radical new idea so that the aerodynamic benefits can be introduced into Formula One in 2007 rather than having to wait until 2008.”
Major revisions to the aerodynamic regulations introduced in 2005 achieved their objective of cutting speeds. The downside was increasingly intricate bodywork designs which created high levels of turbulence behind the cars, making it more difficult for following cars to overtake.
