• McLaren news

McLaren happy to buck the trend with nose design

ESPNF1 Staff
February 18, 2012 « Teams will follow FIA to Bahrain - Horner | Reliability essential for Ferrari at Barcelona test - Massa »
McLaren's nose is very different to the others seen so far this year © Sutton Images
Enlarge
Related Links

McLaren team principal Martin Whitmarsh is not concerned his team has missed a trick by not running a stepped nose this year.

All of the MP4-27's competitors unveiled so far have featured a high, stepped nose in order to maximise the airflow under the car. But McLaren has taken a different approach with a smooth line from the end of the monocoque to the tip of the nose and a lower chassis overall.

"I've asked our technical guys if they are sure that we have done the right thing and they have told me not to worry," Whitmarsh is quoted by Germany's Auto Motor und Sport.

He admitted there is an obvious aerodynamic benefit to the 'step nose' solution.

"But we have a lower centre of gravity, more freedom in the suspension geometry, and a more comfortable seating position and a better view for the driver," Whitmarsh added.

The main reason behind McLaren's decision is that a stepped nose would have required a wholesale change in its design philosophy.

"This car is an evolution," confirmed Whitmarsh. "In terms of radical innovations that are visibly obvious, I'll have to disappoint - these rules just don't leave that sort of room any more."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
ESPN Staff Close