Formula One news
Rampf explains innovative BMW design
16 January 2007 / PhotosThe F1.07 is the first genuine BMW Sauber. Whereas for last year's car numerous components had already been designed when BMW resolved to buy the majority shareholding in Sauber in June 2005, the F1.07 was a co- production from its inception. Those responsible for the chassis in Hinwil and their colleagues in Munich handling the power-train (i.e. the engine and transmission) and the electronics, jointly laid down priorities and created a harmonious overall package. Work on the concept for the F1.07 began in April 2006.
"On the one hand we channelled our experience from the F1.06 into the car, but at the same time we considered the new challenges presented by the 2007 regulations," explains Willy Rampf, Technical Director of the BMW Sauber F1 Team.
Set-up based on standard tyres lends aerodynamics even greater importance. The most important change is the switch to standard tyres supplied by Bridgestone, which, in keeping with the FIA stipulations, must provide less grip so as to reduce cornering speeds.
"It is obvious that the cars are going to slide around more, and so it was important for us to build a car that is easy to drive and that our drivers can trust sufficiently to go on the attack," explains Rampf. "We should also expect the cars generally to run with slightly more downforce in order to compensate for the loss of grip."
With the introduction of standard tyres, the significance of aerodynamics increases even more. That is why the expansion of the aerodynamics division was given top priority for BMW. Operation of the wind tunnel in Hinwil was gradually ramped up from one to two and then, at the end of October 2006, three shifts. Rampf believes this was a key prerequisite for achieving the team's ambitious targets.
"If you look at all the components that affect the performance of a Formula One car, aerodynamics represent by far the single most important factor," Rampf is at pains to point out.
The cooling intakes are somewhat larger than those in the predecessor model. They are part of the new cooling concept, which Rampf hopes is more effectively integrated into the car's overall package and designed for a greater throughput of air. The air is diverted upwards, improving aerodynamic efficiency by comparison with the F1.06 particularly in high outside air temperatures.
"In the concept phase we devoted a lot of time to finding an optimal solution in this area. It's an important factor as the air temperature in the first races of the season in particular are traditionally very high. The cooling concept of the F1.07 promises to deliver very high efficiency in all conditions," he added.
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