Williams FW33 – Innovative compact rear end

Williams managed to construct the smallest ever 7-speed gearbox even though the gearbox endurance is now increased from 4 to 5 races this year . This aggressive structural approach gave permission to aero dynamists to construct a fabulous low and compact rear car end , the smallest in 2011 grid . The target is to clean dramatically the airflow passing over the rear beam wing and the diffuser roof  causing a serious increase in downforce production .

The ultra low rear end effected the rear suspension design as well . The new suspension  is totally new and a pull rod in contrast to the previous push rod with the top wishbones ( in yellow) to attach directly onto the rear wing’s single pillar , something innovative for F1 .  The differential (in orange ) is also very inlcined because of the low gearbox line ‘

Talking about the double diffuser ban Sam Michael said  : “Not only can you not open any holes between the reference and step planes, you must have continuous material through all lateral and longitudinal sections. The scope for developing anything on the diffuser is limited, so we’re looking at the centre, rear and front of the floor, as well as the sides of the floor and the little area around the tyre spat, all of which are still free.”

Lotus Renault R31 – Innovative forward exhausts

A great novelty as regards Renault exhausts , proving that stricter rules can not ban creative spirit in Formula 1 but to redirect it exploring new innovative ways  .So Renault instead of finding a way to bend the rules and  blow the diffuser with hot exhaust emissions either through the sides or through the engine starter hole  ,decided to construct forward blowing exhausts !  The innovative forward exhaust pipes have an elbow ending configuration to blow under the chassis and energize airflow under the floor and towards the diffuser .  To prevent any floor toasting close to the exhaust pipe opening Renault placed a metal heat cover and also tested in some occasions heat sensitive green stripes under the floor or red stripes over it to check any heat issues rising from this configuration .