The recent tests carried out at Fiorano highlighted the critical issues of the FIA project on the famous mud flaps, designed to reduce the water spray raised by the cars in heavy rain conditions. Ferrari has tested various solutions on the track with Arthur Leclerc, Oliver Bearman and Carlos Sainz. However, these tests highlighted that the proposed solution did not produce the desired results.
Tombazis' words
The single-seater manager expressed his opinion on the tests at Fiorano and the future of this solution tested by the FIA Nikolas Tombazis, who admitted the decision to abandon this project. Those at Fiorano were not the only tests, the FIA had experimented with a first version of mud flaps at Silverstone with McLaren. Even on that occasion the results were disappointing. At Fiorano the design tested was much more sophisticated than that at Silverstone. Ferrari also ran two nearby cars to evaluate any improvements. But the responses were equally disappointing. Arthur Leclerc drove the F1-75 on an artificially wet track, using the fully closed mudflap. Gradually, doors were opened first frontally and then laterally to evaluate the impact of each change on the water trail.
“Even if they have a little bit of an effect, they don't have a significant enough effect to say this is the solution. So we're back to square one,” he said Tombazis interviewed by Autosport – we answered some questions. We know where we are, but I don't think the project will continue as such at the moment. Now we know that we have to find other ways to avoid running into the cancellation of races in the event of heavy rain."
In light of these findings, the FIA will therefore need to evaluate other options to improve visibility in difficult conditions, without compromising the safety and viability of racing in extreme rain.
Statements: FormulaPassion
