United States GP: Lotus F1 reveals its experimental nose for 2015
With a view to the next season, Lotus will debut an experimental front solution on its E22 during the first practice session of the United States Grand Prix in Austin.
After announcing that it would test a new nose in preparation for 2015, Team Lotus unveiled it on the Thursday before the United States Grand Prix in Austin.
The technical gamble at the start of the season for the Lotus E22 largely resided in the front nose, consisting of two horns of different lengths, which differed from the two other technical solutions adopted by other teams. Although this configuration complied with the regulations, it did not lead to a miracle, with the Enstone team scoring only eight points during the Spanish and Monaco Grand Prix thanks to Romain Grosjean.
In 2015, following regulatory changes that will be introduced for both safety and aesthetic reasons, the nose of the Lotus will no longer be legal. Therefore, in order to prepare for the next season, an experimental front end will be used during Free Practice 1 this Friday (starting at 4 p.m. French time) to compare the results in real conditions to those from the wind tunnel.
The nose obviously reminds one of the Mercedes W05 Hybrid and the Ferrari F14-T, without any particular protuberance(s) but descending very low. Romain Grosjean will be responsible for testing it.
Voici le nouvel aileron avant Lotus que testera @RGrosjean demain en FP1 à @circuitamericas ! @CANALFormule1 pic.twitter.com/R8iiKfqhLp
— Julien FEBREAU – F1 (@Julien_FEBREAU) 30 Octobre 2014
Craig Scarborough, technical expert for Autosport, explains that this solution is drastically different both in terms of look and philosophy. It is very short, stopping just behind the central section of the front wing. It then forms a very low and wide tip. At the front of the nose tip are two front wing mounting pylons.
« It is the surface under the nose that provides a clue about the possible design philosophy for 2015: the surface dips behind the front wing before rising towards the front of the chassis. This will help create low pressure under the nose to generate additional downforce, » he continues.
« In order to be allowed on the track, the nose had to pass crash tests, so it’s a significant investment for Lotus. » However, for the British technician, this solution does not seem to strictly adhere to the 2015 regulations: « In the form seen so far, the new nose does not appear legal according to the 2015 rules, as it is apparently too small and does not display the correct two cross sections at the tip. This does not prevent it from being a useful means for Lotus to collect data, hoping it will help with the design of the Mercedes-powered E23. »
El nuevo morro del Lotus en Austin. Fotos by @ferran_figufer pic.twitter.com/Z2at1VCONy
— Albert Fabrega ES (@AlbertFabrega) 30 Octobre 2014
