Quote:
Originally posted by Cadete
At similar ride height, the tunnels create more downforce than a flat floor, yes, but remmember that in adition to the tunnels the new cars have raised ride height. The reason why ACO did this is because they want less downforce (raised height) and center the downforce for less instability (tunnels instead of rear diffuser).
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Spot on. Figure the new LMP1 cars have approaching 20% less downforce than LMP900. Sure they have tunnels, but as you mention, that is more about moving the center of pressure forward. They are so heavily regulated that they aren't as nearly effective as the tunnel cars of the GTP/Group C era. But I must say that so far the car's pace is impressive, so it bodes well. Speed is the point and I hated the prospects of the cars being gutted and having to build back up. Now we still have quick cars and the are safe too.