Brawn: Effect of new aero rules 'more apparent' in Bahrain

Ross Brawn, Formula 1's managing director of motorsport, believes that last weekend's Bahrain Grand Prix showcased once again the benefits of the new aero rules introduced for 2019.

In a bid to improve overtaking and promote closer racing, F1 ushered in for this season a raft of aerodynamic changes centered around simpler and larger wings.

Brawn noted an increase of overtakes compared to last year at Albert Park in Melbourne, a layout notoriously unfriendly to drivers with regard to overtaking.

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According to Brawn, Bahrain's action-packed race offered further evidence that the aero changes are fulfilling their purpose.

"The effect of the new aero rules began to be felt in Melbourne and it was even more apparent in Sakhir," said the F1 boss.

"The changes were introduced to improve the drivers’ ability to race closely and they seem to be working.

"I’d say that we are only seeing the first signs, encouraging ones at that, and they have made for interesting racing, especially in Bahrain.

"It’s not just down to the new rules, but the show we have seen in the first two races makes me feel optimistic about the rest of the season.

"In Shanghai, in just under two weeks, we’ll see if the improvement is repeated."

Since the season kicked off, opinions on whether the aero changes facilitate the task of overtaking has been mixed, with perhaps a slight bias to the positive side.

Both Romain Grosjean and Daniel Ricciardo felt that it was now easier to closely follow a preceding car, but reigning world champion Lewis Hamilton was adamant the aero tweaks had changed nothing.

"It’s no different - made zero difference. It’s still terrible!" said the Mercedes driver.

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