F1: 2009 Formula 1 Tech Preview Pt. 3

Formula 1

F1: 2009 Formula 1 Tech Preview Pt. 3

Racecar Engineering conclude their preseason technical preview with the big four - Mclaren, Ferrari, BMW and Renault.

Racecar Engineering | http://www.racecar-engineering.com | Posted March 26, 2009 Charlotte, NC

Hamilton has a huge challenge ahead to defend his world title (LAT)

In the final part of a three-day feature, Racecar Engineering previews the 2009 season, with the big four - Mclaren, Ferrari, BMW and Renault.

Mclaren
1 - Lewis Hamilton
2 - Heikki Kovalainen
McLaren launched the MP4/24 at its Woking, England base in January and gave it its first run at the Algarve Circuit in Portugal just days later. The team’s aerodynamic development programme has caught the attention of many, during the cars first runs at Portimao it was fitted with a 2008 spec rear wing but a 2009 spec front foil. However the plan was clearly to run with the 2008 spec rear wing. This may have aided the teams transition from the MP4/23 test hack to the definitive 2009 spec MP4/24. The MP4/23 wind tunnel model was fitted with the '08 spec wing for development and data gathering.
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Ferrari
3 - Felipe Massa
4 - Kimi Raikkonen
The F60 was the first new rules compliant car to appear. It is the fifty fifth single-seater built by Ferrari specifically to compete in the Formula 1 World Championship. The name of the car was chosen to celebrate the Scuderia's participation in all 60 editions of the Formula 1 World Championship since 1950 to date.  The project, which goes by the internal code name of 660, represents the Scuderia's interpretation of the regulations that come into force this year, which include very many new elements.
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BMW Sauber
5 - Robert Kubica
6 - Nick Heidfeld
BMW has been one of the most impressive teams during winter testing, generally quick and reliable. Launched at Valencia the F1.09 is a clear evolution of the F108.B "We have set ourselves the task of further improving our performance relative to the rest of the field. The one-two in Canada and eleven podium finishes in 2008 set an exacting standard. In 2009 we are looking to maintain our first-class reliability record while also enhancing our performance levels so that we can be at the front of the pack on a consistent basis.
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Renault
7 - Fernando Alonso
8 - Nelson Piquet
Renault launched its R29 at the Algarve Circuit on the same day as Williams, the car is a very interesting interpretation of the new aerodynamic regulations. With radical revisions to the sport's technical regulations introduced this year, the R29 incorporates a new design philosophy and looks very different from its predecessor. Great attention has been paid to maximizing the new rules and the team is optimistic about its chances for the year ahead, as Flavio Briatore explained: "We began our preparations for the R29 project early and I am proud of what the team has achieved. There are lots of new things to deal with this year, which could shake things up, but we intend to continue fighting at the front. We will now concentrate on our final preparations for the start of the season so that we can arrive in Australia hopefully fighting for the podium."
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