SUBTLE INNOVATION
While the bodywork remains fairly curved, the three vanes sitting astride the sidepods certainly catch the eye. Instead of being single elements, the bases branch off in two ‘feet’ with a gap in between to allow the airflow (see white arrows).
By creating vortices, these fins bring more energy to the air that flows along the upper surface of the sidepods, while also protecting the diffuser from the dirty wake coming off the rotating wheels thanks to what aerodynamicists call the 'downwash effect'.
We can assume the gap in the lower part of the vanes changes the pressure difference between the two faces of the aero device, which in turn modifies the way the much sought-after vortices are generated.
Powered by the best engine on the grid and featuring several noticeable upgrades, the MRT05 should help Manor make - relatively speaking - the most progress in 2016. However, it remains to be seen whether that will be enough to stop being the sports’ perennial backmarkers given Haas’ sophisticated package and Sauber’s 20-year-plus experience.
All the 2016 F1 cars at a glance
Click here to find all technical features in the 'A closer look series'
Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter
