One of the main innovations seen in F1 last season, this is where exhaust gases are blown over the top of or through the diffuser to improve its performance on the throttle. But the driveshafts and, particularly, the CV joints will be worked harder.

This creates an easier airflow to the rear beam wing and also lowers the centre of gravity. Teams are responding by placing devices called Gurney flaps on the trailing edge of the diffuser, in order to increase airflow from within it and thus improve the downforce effect.Īnother potential gain (which Williams are looking for) stems from the fact that the smaller diffuser will not encroach on the gearbox which, together with the differential, can be made lower. As a result, diffusers will be smaller and generate less downforce. New rules mean the gap at the front of the diffuser that created the loophole Brawn GP exploited to such effect two years ago has now been closed. the bottom four on the list) will be taken to each race.

Six different types of tyre will be used during the season and each will have its own colour coding:

Whereas one (mandatory) pit stop was the norm last year, between two and four stops will be on the agenda in 2011.Īlso, the performance differential between the harder 'prime' and softer 'option' compounds of dry-weather tyres is set to be more pronounced than before.ĭiffering levels of degradation might improve the prospects of overtaking, while the ability of a driver to look after his tyres, as well as decide when a change is needed, will be more of an asset.Īlso in 2011, each driver may now use three sets of dry-weather tyres (two 'prime' and one 'option') during Friday's two practice sessions.Įight further sets (four of each compound) will then be allocated for the remainder of the weekend. Most of it has concentrated on the impact on pit stops and the knock-on effect on race strategies. Handed the task of trying to inject more unpredictability into races, Pirelli have responded with the PZero - the degradation levels of which have generated much talk pre-season.

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