Brawn: 2019 simulation tests point to 'tangible effects' on racing

Ross Brawn has revealed that simulation work on F1's 2019 front wing is forecasting an improvement of the racing for next season, thanks to easier overtaking.

Earlier this year, in a bid to promote overtaking and better racing, the FIA agreed to several technical changes for 2019 that will include a wider, simpler front wing with straighter end-plates and no outwash, modifications to cars' bargeboards, and a wider, deeper rear wing to enhance the impact of the DRS.

According to Brawn, simulation tests of the new aerodynamic configuration have been satisfactory, theoretically validating the approach and its end result.

"Once again we saw in Brazil that when the performance level of two cars are more or less the same, then overtaking is almost impossible," said Brawn.

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"That raises the question as to how to make it easier to make a move on the car in front.

"During 2018, we have made significant progress in defining next year's technical regulations, especially regarding the key area that is the front wing and in the last few weeks, we have worked out the fine details.

"Our simulation work and from what the teams with which we have worked closely on this tell us, the effects are tangible, even though we are well aware that the real proof will only come next March in the Australian Grand Prix."

Indeed, the track will deliver next spring the real verdict on whether a simplified approach to aero design will be the right path to follow before the sport's major regulation overhaul in 2021.

"The changes introduced are a first important step, but not necessarily an exhaustive one, towards defining the new technical and sporting regulations that will shape the long-term future of Formula 1," he said.

"It's a foretaste of what we are defining for 2021 and we are pleased with what we have already achieved for 2019, but clearly we have high hopes, even in the short term.

"This year, Formula 1 produced some really exciting racing, I'm thinking immediately of Baku, Shanghai, Silverstone and Mexico City and there is every sign that there will be more of the same next year."

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