Technical analysis: Budapest

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Force India’s hydro-mechanical suspension

The Hungarian Grand Prix saw Force India suffer a series of spectacular mechanical failures – rear suspension on Sergio Perez’s VJM08 in free practice, front wing on team-mate Nico Hulkenberg’s car during the race. While the Silverstone-based outfit was able to manufacture stronger wishbones and deliver them to the Hungaroring on Saturday, Force India elected to replace Perez’ nose cone with the old spec on race day.

Looking under the car’s bodywork, one can spot the hydraulic accumulator used on the VJM08’s rear suspension. While FRIC systems were banned last year, Force India’s hydro-mechanical installation, which replaced torsion bars, remains legal since it is not connected to the front suspension.