F1 2013 Car launch dates

Missing the first test seems to be quite common.

Being pushed to the limit in the previous season only really hinders a team if there is a big rule change, like McLaren and Ferrari suffered in 2009. With there being very little difference in the rules between 2012 and 2013 I don't think theres much to worry about RBR being a little late.
 
Missing the first test 2 years ago was less of an issue when there were 4 Pre season tests, last year there were 3 and only the back markers missed any, and there was a mid season test day as well. This year, 3 Pre season tests and no in season test. I have a feeling that non of the big teams will be missing any of the Pre seasons tests, unless they think the car is spot on.
 
I heard RB might miss the first test but are pushing hard to make it. Of course now all cars need to pass the crash tests before they're allowed on track. 2011 and earlier a car could test without passing the crash test I believe?
 
tummelv said:
I did hear on the Sky 'a season to remember' programme that because of their development push right to the end of last season RBR are behind on building this year's car. F1 fanatic was reporting that RBR may miss the first test - presumably for the same reasons although it may just be to give them more time on it.
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Most famously in recent years it happened to McLaren in 2009. They'd been flat out right up to Brazil for Lewis' (last-gasp) successful 2008 WDC that they suffered greatly with the 2009 car until a B-spec appeared mid-season.
 
Another thing to consider is, if RBR wont have the RB9 ready for the first test, will they still turn up with the RB8 to gain valuable experience of the new tyres? I really cannot see the team missing the test, maybe the RB9 might not make it but Redbull and the RB8 thats a different matter.
 
Skeeter said:
noses_2013-wire-300x211.jpg
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Do we know how fixed this panel is to the car? If it were to come loose at 200mph at Monza it could come straight up at the drivers helmet :(
 
Think the material that's made from is such that it can't cause any damage, I'm sure they thought about these things :p
 
I'm sure I read somewhere it would be made from something like cardboard? can't seem to find a mention of it now though...
 
I've spoken to a couple of people in F1 about the "modesty" panels.

A guy from Lotus said he didn't think anyone would use them, as it would negate a lot of the aero tests they preformed in this area on the cars in 2012. They already understand how this area performs with the existing step, why would they alter it if it doesn't give them any aero benefit. It would just be wasting precious development time/money.

However, someone from Force India said they are definitely using it on the 2013 car. They also were of the opinion that everyone would be implementing them next season, and were surprised Lotus weren't planning to.
 
tummelv said:
I'm sure I read somewhere it would be made from something like cardboard? can't seem to find a mention of it now though...
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Even a piece of cardboard could get wrapped around the drivers helmet and block vision.
Plus surely cardboard would get a bit soggy in the wet.

I am sure they have considered the material but seeing as how much they are trying to limit debris access to the cockpit (conopy etc), having a piece like that in a direct line of the cockpit seems odd.
 
It will be carbon fibre, everything on an F1 car is.

I expect it will be a single weave or something though as its designed to shatter or detach on impact. So... a puncture causing device then :).

Its a pointless reaction to a problem that shouldn't have existed if the teams had just thought about what they were agreeing too.
 
dwarf said:
I've spoken to a couple of people in F1 about the "modesty" panels.

A guy from Lotus said he didn't think anyone would use them, as it would negate a lot of the aero tests they preformed in this area on the cars in 2012. They already understand how this area performs with the existing step, why would they alter it if it doesn't give them any aero benefit. It would just be wasting precious development time/money.

However, someone from Force India said they are definitely using it on the 2013 car. They also were of the opinion that everyone would be implementing them next season, and were surprised Lotus weren't planning to.
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Judging by this, the Williams won't have the step, sounds like they are using a modesty panel...

http://translate.google.com/transla...ez-garba-na-nosie/&sl=pl&tl=en&hl=en&ie=UTF-8
 
Just a thought about testing, is it limited to 1 car per team? I know teams only bring 1 car because there is no point in building 2 of them if they are still in development, but would it be possible for them to run an older chassis as well with a second driver? Maybe to collect tyre data? Or are they actually limited to 1 car per team?
 
"Red Bull will unveil its new RB9 at its Milton Keynes factory on February 3 - shortly before the first test of 2013 in Jerez." - Autosport
 
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