Monday 19th May 2008
David Coulthard believes Red Bull Racing’s recent aerodynamic upgrades have significantly improved the car’s performance and helped the team to gain ground within the tightly bunched midfield pack.
Red Bull introduced BMW-like extensions to its sidepods at last month’s Spanish Grand Prix – designed to tidy up the airflow around the tyres and reduce turbulence – and there were further revisions to the rear wing flap and bargeboards for the Turkish GP.
Coulthard believes the aerodynamic overhaul has borne fruit already. In his exclusive column for itv.com/f1, the Scotsman raved about the handling of his RB4 through Istanbul Park’s demanding 160mph turn eight.
“I have to say, the car balance in turn eight was fantastic – the best I’ve ever had through there,” he wrote.
“I would never have believed a few years ago that we would be taking that corner flat-out in sixth gear, but we were – even during the race once the fuel load came down – and the car rode the bumps very well.
“So I think aerodynamically we have made a lot of progress so far this season, and I wouldn’t have wanted to be in any other car through that corner.”
Coulthard pinpointed mechanical grip – and in particular compliance over the kerbs – as the key area RBR now needs to improve.
“Mechanically the car still needs development, primarily in the way it reacts to kerb strikes,” he wrote.
“I was consistently among the three or four fastest drivers in qualifying through that tight final sector in Turkey, but there are no aggressive kerbs there.
“At places like Monaco and Montreal we are likely to have ride issues, and there’s a big push from the team to try and develop solutions for that.”
Some corners at Monaco, notably the harbourfront chicane and the Swimming Pool complex, might be expected to expose any shortcomings of the RB4 over the kerbs.
But Coulthard is still optimistic of a strong result at a track where he has had much success in the past.
“I’ll be aiming to open my 2008 points account and pick up anything else that I can from attrition,” he wrote.
“Hopefully the tide of misfortune has now turned and I can get my season properly up and running.”
For the latest news and views make sure and read DC's exclusive column on the superb ITV F1 website.
<< Back to Latest News Main Index
Social Networking 
