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McLaren Snorkel: How it works #f1

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via scarbsf1.wordpress.com

An interesting article on the McLaren snorkel system here: http://scarbsf1.wordpress.com/2010/03/11/235/

In brief, it allows air from the front of the car to be directed at the rear wing to increase straight line speed. The clever bit is that because movable aerodynamic parts are banned, it's just a pipe with the drivers leg in the way. The driver just moves his leg to block airflow or enable airflow.

Elegant and cheap. All the other teams will moan but they'll have it by the next race I'm sure.

Button signs for McLaren #f1

Well it looks to be all but officially announced, Jenson's signed for McLaren on a 3 year deal.  But is it really a good idea?  Sure he's getting the Spondoolicks, but surely moving to a team where Hamilton is established is asking for trouble.  However you've got to admire his willingness to go to a team with an established star in a way that Schumacher would never have countenanced with his contract demanding teammates finish behind him.  It shows a confidence that probably only comes with a world title and we, the audience, will benefit next year.

Expect tears and tantrums at some point though!

http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2009/nov/16/jenson-button-joins-mclaren-contract

Button + Hamilton = Dream Team

A new rumour surfaced today in the form of Button moving to partner Hamilton at Mclaren.

I think it has some milage in that McLaren has cash to splash and Vodafone would be keen to stump up the readies for another British driver. 

Also Mercedes would be keen not to lose the world champion to another manufacturer and it would be keeping it in the family.

Perhaps it's more a tactic for talking up Jenson's value and he'll still sign a deal with Brawn. 

I would have to say my money would be on him going back to Williams should Brawn decide he's too dear, in a "here have Rosberg, but we'll have Button in return" deal.

Is Kimi over-valuing himself?

"Toyota Team President John Howett admits that Kimi Raikkonen is unlikely to join the team because the driver is asking for too much money."

Now we all know that Kimi probably burns more cash partying than most people, but didn't he just get a massive payoff from Ferrari to make way for Alonso?  I fear that Kimi (or his management) is probably pushing the envelope and he may well find in the current market that he may find himself still standing when the music stops... possibly holding a can of Red Bull?

http://www.planet-f1.com/story/0,18954,3213_5642074,00.html