Tech analysis: Red Bull prepares for 'B-spec' arrival

Red Bull Racing RB13 front wing detail

Photo by: Giorgio Piola

We were able to capture an image of the RB13's front wing as the team prepared the car for scrutineering and, as you can see, several stickers were placed on it in order that a high-speed camera - mounted in the usual FOM camera position - is able to capture footage of the wing flexing under load.

The stickers ordinarily found on just the endplate have been added elsewhere on the wing, which this rearward view uncovers.

This gives the team insight into how individual parts of the wing operate as the load builds and dissipates, allowing it to consider development avenues it can exploit going forward.

This is of particular interest given that Red Bull led the way on flexible front wings during its dominant phase of 2010-13, and whilst the load tests changed dramatically during that phase, the same cannot be said for the regulation transition this year.

The prescribed load used during scrutineering has remained the same as 2016 but the width of the wing has increased by 150mm, giving the designers scope to re-investigate the amount of aero-elasticity that can be utilised before failing the test.

Of course, regulations permit the FIA to change the scope of their tests at any stage, but the teams always tend to be one step ahead of this as they strive to maintain optimum performance.

Red Bull Racing RB13 side detail

Photo by: Giorgio Piola

A test rig could also be found mounted on the upper surface of the floor's periphery, monitoring its relationship with the rear tyre.

This is because tyre deformation is of critical importance, as it has a significant bearing on key aerodynamic structures that are created to control how the movement of air around the tyre impinges on them.

For example, the slots placed in the edge of the floor are used to dilute the impact that the rear tyre has on the diffuser as its sidewall deforms under load - pushing airflow laterally into the diffuser's path and robbing it of performance.

You'll note how close the teams run the floor to the front face of the tyre too, as it looks to minimise the circulation of airflow around the tyre. In fact, Red Bull often trims its new floors on site in order to get them as close as is possible without rubbing.

Red Bull Racing RB13 front wing detail

Photo by: Sutton Images

Some limited flo-viz testing was also conducted as the team looks to correlate the minor alterations that have been made to the front wing as of late, with the green oil-based paint applied to the outer section of the wing where it joins to the adjustable flapped section.

The paint has also made its way onto the lower front section of the brake duct fence behind.