Formula One news

BMW to use extra small rear wing in Italy

BMW Sauber will be making use of a smaller rear wing in order to cut drag and lessen downforce levels on the rapid Monza circuit next weekend. Although the parkland track does feature three significant chicanes, the lap is spread out by elongated straight sections.

With a lack of downforce for the straights always yielding an overall greater advantage than much downforce would for the corners, Monza also sees teams bringing several race-specific parts in order to gain the most from the quick Italian Grand Prix.

Willy Rampf, BMW Sauber F1 Head of Engineering

"This is the last genuine high-speed track left on the calendar," explained Willy Rampf, Head of Engineering at BMW. "The four long straights mean that keeping the drag level low is crucial, so we run the cars with less downforce here than anywhere else during the season; this involves using a modified front wing and a new and extremely small rear wing.

"An additional challenge for the drivers and engineers is to give the cars a mechanical setup which ensures good braking stability and allows the kerbs to be taken aggressively, as this is absolutely essential in setting a fast lap time. I'm very much looking forward to the race as there's always a very special atmosphere at Monza."

Last year's race was unusual due to the presence of the rain as an ex-BMW driver, Sebastian Vettel, sped through the spray to collect a first Grand Prix victory for Toro Rosso.

more news

• 26 Nov.
  • Alguersuari: "2010 contract is signed"
  • Conway and Ericsson to test for Mercedes
  • 4 driver options left for Lotus
  • 'F1 in need of Schumacher return' - Verstappen
• 25 Nov.
  • 'Fantastic opportunity' - Di Resta on Force India test
  • Recap: N.Technology court bid fails
  • BMW testers excited about Jerez
  • Brawn disappointed with Button drives, ponders Lauda
  • Piquet to drive in Massa kart race
  • Brawn aero chief wins award
  • Gillett disappointed with government position
  • Mercedes hopes to confirm line-up by Christmas
• 24 Nov.
  • Briatore verdict expected in January
  • Donington still hopeful over F1 race
  • Montreal race confirmation imminent
  • Massa names drivers for karting event
  • Campos car passes FIA safety tests
  • Strong test could seal drive, says Mallya
  • Force India to test di Resta and Hildebrand
  • Courts to hear Briatore case
  • Silverstone GP deal forthcoming
• 23 Nov.
  • GPUpdate TV: Sam Michael - building on 2009
  • Theissen waiting on entry decision
  • Mercedes delighted with Rosberg confirmation
  • Confirmed: Rosberg to Mercedes for 2010
  • Manor hoping to run in late January
  • Mercedes poised to announce first driver
  • Kobayashi: I expected to be re-signed
  • Nakajima future in Toyota's hands
  • Klien still hoping for 2010 seat
  • McLaren line-up will work, says Ecclestone
  • López: USF1 deal coming next week
• 22 Nov.
  • Photos: 2009 Toyota Motor Sports Festival
  • Vettel surprised by Button team switch
• 21 Nov.
  • Mercedes: No Schumacher drive with us
  • López close to USF1 deal
  • Options open for Bourdais
• 20 Nov.
  • FIA was using new teams, says Lola
  • Rossi and Newey to contest endurance race
  • Wolff: Worth of privateers on the up

Homepage