Mercedes and McLaren give their feedback following the FIA tests in Silverstone
Mercedes and McLaren have extended their stay in Silverstone after the British Grand Prix in order to conduct tests on the FIA's water splash protection kit. Both teams are providing us with their feedback.
Rain often sparks discussions in F1. Improving poor visibility, caused by spray, is now a priority for the FIA, which has been working on a water deflection kit for some time.
Very handicapping, this phenomenon has been further amplified since the return of ground-effect single-seaters and makes the task difficult for drivers who are almost driving blind. This new kit would act as a standard car mudguard and would prevent water splashes from rising too high and control where the water is projected.
Andrea Stella, team principal of McLaren, is delighted to have made his car available for this FIA initiative, which he considers more than important.
« First, let me point out how important the FIA’s initiative to improve visibility is. I would say that it is a top priority on the agenda of motorsport, and we were happy to help the FIA, » he said in a press conference on Friday.
He also considers these tests as a step forward in the development of these mudguards. « It seems that we have gathered a large amount of data that was important to validate the model because the designs were previously based on simulator development. I’m sure that with the practical aspect of the tests, we can also learn about lap times, the impact of pit stops, etc. So, it was a very important step in our attempts to improve the situation compared to projections. »
Shared optimism on the side of Andrew Shovlin, ground engineering director at Mercedes. « It’s a problem for which a solution must be found because the teams, and certainly the fans as well, hate when a race cannot start due to the weather conditions being too difficult. »
However, he prefers not to declare victory too quickly. There is still a long way to go before this kit is definitively adopted. « They are not ready yet to move on to production and regulation at the moment, but it’s an interesting first step. We are making the car available, but it remains the FIA’s test and it is up to them to decide. »
