2009 Formula One Aerodynamics: BMW Sauber F1.09 - Fundamentally Different

摘要

To make Formula One more attractive to a broader audience, radical changes to the FIA technical regulations have been imposed for the 2009 season. Primarily, the lack of overtaking and exciting wheel-to-wheel racing is believed to be a direct consequence of the massive levels of aerodynamics down force generated by modern F1 cars. Therefore, these new regulations are targeting a significant reduction in achievable aero forces via specific restrictions to the shaping of the vehicle exterior. This should also lead to more aero performance retained on cars following in the wake of another car. Claiming back lost aero performance (to good levels) proved to be a true challenge for the aerodynamicists. Reliance exclusively on knowledge and insights gained from intensive engineering of concepts in the past was not going to be adequate to propel this project. New insights were essential, and a comprehensive CFD campaign became instrumental in devising the development path for a fundamentally different race car, BMW Sauber F1.09.