Buzzin F1 - Formula One Blog

All ten of the Formula One teams are this week testing their cars at the Paul Ricard circuit in France from today.  The teams began on the short configuration or the High Tech Test Track with it’s tight curves for the forthcoming Monaco Grand Prix, and on Friday will switch to a lower downforce layout to prepare for the Candian Grand Prix.

The Williams team were today trying a new “shark-fin” engine cover in the FW30 being driven by Nico Rosberg, similar to those recently seen on the Red Bull and Renault cars but a much sleeker version.  It could prove to be a winner at the Montreal circuit as it’s used to control the rear of the car sliding but designed not to mask the rear wing when the tail does slide or if there’s cross winds.

The Honda car has also been visually updated, although continuing with the downforce theme by developing endplates for their wings and have also added small winglets on the inner front wings.

The Toro Rosso’s new STR3 chassis, was being tested by Sebastian Vettel before its debut at the Monaco circuit next week.

Toyota have appeared with a radical new rear wing at the test but, if they will be allowed to use it under the current rules remains to be seen.  The team have slotted in the forward element of the front wing allowing the wing to be steeper without stalling and so creating more downforce.  The rear wing is limited to just two elements unlike the front wing which can have multiple elements.  They have also added extra fins to the pod wings creating yet more downforce.