Technical analysis: Singapore

F1i technical expert Nicolas Carpentiers provides you with images and explanations of the upgrades on display at Singapore last weekend.

SAUBER INTRODUCES A SHORTER NOSECONE...

Sauber brought the most important update of the Singapore Grand Prix weekend. Due to limited financial means, the Swiss outfit’s development pace had been fairly measured up to that point. The most visual change on the C34 came in the form of a shorter nosecone. While the design remains slightly longer than the Red Bull, Williams, and McLaren thumb-tipped solutions, the rationale behind it is similar. Shorter nosecones are theoretically the better option within the context of the present technical regulations (though Ferrari’s race-winning form can be seen as evidence to the contrary). Indeed, a shorter design helps better manage the airflow coming from the front wing’s mandated 500mm neutral centre section.