Technical analysis - McLaren rear wing, Williams brake ducts

McLaren MP4-23 - rear wing revisions


Montreal requires medium to low downforce levels and to achieve this teams reduced both the main profile of their wings and the angle of the wing flaps. McLaren adopted an interesting rear wing that featured a main profile raised in its central section, with its extremities bending slightly...


Williams FW30 - enlarged brake ducts

Montreal is the most demanding track of the championship in terms of brake wear. Specific compounds are used for discs and pads and finding a solution that effectively controls wear whilst also keeping the brakes within an acceptable temperature range is paramount. To this end, all the teams...

Ferrari F2008 - the secret to riding Montreal's kerbs

One of the distinctive elements of the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve are its high kerbs. To set a fast time all the drivers tend to ride the kerbs, but what is interesting is how smoothly the Ferraris seem to be able to attack them. This is a result of the F2008's suspension geometry, in particular at...

McLaren MP4-23 - bridge-wing support; flap revisions

Prior to the Canadian race, the FIA reinforced the rules related to flexible wings, in particular the front bridge wings, which are now a feature on most cars. The teams were told to provide additional support to the central section of the wing, by connecting it to the nosecone, and to reinforce the...

BMW Sauber F1.08 - nosecone development

Canada isn't considered a special track in terms of set-up, but for the first time this season BMW Sauber have dropped the distinctive 'boomerang' winglets on the F1.08's nose (yellow dotted line shows their previous position). They have been removed to aid top speed, particularly on the long final...

Ferrari F2008 - additional venting slits