theprancinghorse.co.uk - News Features / F2007 Updates For Bahrain

This is an element of the Ferrari you'd only ever notice if you were up close to it when stationary. It is an inclined, partially curved fin (yellow arrow) near the inner front wheel. It helps improve the quality of airflow passing through the front suspension elements, as well as generating a small increase in downforce. Most importantly, however, it raises the efficiency of the bargeboards by reducing the vortices generated by the suspension's pushrod link and upper wishbone close to the front wheel. A small detail perhaps, but one that helps optimise the overall efficiency of the car.

This illustration shows just how complex the detailing is close to the Ferrari's rear wheels. In particular, the braking cooling inlets have a highly intricate design, which allows them to be small yet efficient, reducing the disruptive aero effect that bigger inlets would have. A sculpted vertical fin (1) creates a channel which increases airflow used to cool the rear section of the brake discs. A horizontal fin (2) helps minimise disruption to airflow passing through the rear suspension and inlet components. This in turn means improved extraction of that airflow by the car's rear diffuser. Another vertical fin (3) on top of the cooling inlet cover helps divert some airflow towards the rear wing's lower profile, also feeding the small slits in the lower section of the rear wing endplates.