RUNNING MORE RAKE
Besides its complex volumes, the SF70H is also a radical departure from its predecessor because Ferrari has decided to run a higher rake angle on its new challenger, thus following in the footsteps of Red Bull, McLaren, and Force India.
This year’s technical regulations already mandate a bigger diffuser, but its volume can be further expanded by raising the rear of the car. Running more rake on an F1 car is also easier with a shorter splitter, which is the case in 2017.
The biggest challenge lies in producing downforce at both slow and high speed, i.e. with the ride height changing depending on aero load. Hence the importance of hydraulic pitch control systems, whose legality was challenged by Ferrari in a letter sent to the FIA over the winter.
F1’s governing body is expected to rule on the matter with a technical directive ahead of pre-season testing.
Speaking of suspension systems, Ferrari paid special attention to its rear installation, after the SF16-H suffered from overheating tyres last year.
