2008 BMW Sauber F1.08 with Standardised Electronics SECU Race Car
Saturday, May 14th, 2011 by adrx # BMW
The philosophy behind the race car for the 2008 season boils down to what he calls “radical evolution”. In other words, last year’s car already provided the engineers with a sound basis for the 2008 BMW Sauber F1.08 with Standardised Electronics SECU Race Car, and they do not have to spend time ironing mistakes. Instead they can use the knowledge gained during the 2007 season and channel their energies into the development of innovations that build upon this foundation.
The engineers’ development work focused on achieving a high level of aerodynamic efficiency coupled with a stable aero balance: the lower the loss of downforce when the wheels turn in, the faster the car can travel and the greater the confidence it gives the driver. Other development aims included improving mechanical grip in order to make the best possible use of the standard tyres, and reducing the weight of various components to allow maximum use of ballast in optimising weight distribution.
While the regulations governing aerodynamics remain unchanged in 2008, two other changes to the rulebook have had a major effect: the introduction of standardised electronics (SECU) and the new running time stipulation for gearboxes, which must now be used over four grands prix. Since the SECU does not allow for traction control, among other functions, mechanical grip and sensitive accelerator control will gain in importance.
A particularly eye-catching feature of the F1.08 is the mighty front wing. Having said that, the car’s nose has actually slimmed down in equal measure to the rear end. The narrower engine cover has been designed with all-new extra wing elements. Another new and immediately noticeable feature are the hub caps, or “rim shields”.
The BMW Sauber F1.08 celebrated its global public presentation in Munich on 14th January 2008. “The data which the F1.08 has delivered ahead of its roll-out is extremely promising,” says Rampf. “And the development work will continue full speed ahead up to the start of the new season. We have already come up with another aero package for the season-opener in Melbourne on 16th March, and this will also change the external appearance of the F1.08 once more.”
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