Ferrari show off radical new nose cone

After much speculation, Ferrari`s radical new nose cone was finally unveiled today during testing at the Barcelona circuit.

As Felipe Massa tested the F2008 on Bridgestone`s slick tyres, the car was fitted with a slotted nose cone.

This `hole in the nose` is aimed at making use of the high-pressure air that builds up between the front wing and the underside of the nose.

This would improve the car`s downforce by sending a better airflow to the rear wing.

What Ferrari have done is to create a channel inside the nose cone that takes this high-pressure region and vents it over the top of the chassis.

From overhead shots the hole`s outlet can be seen, with one large exit split into two. This probably helps the exit flow merge with the flow already passing over the car.

Ferrari were testing an array of pitot tubes in front of the engine`s inlet snorkel. These sensors would have picked up the differing air speed going into and over the airbox.

This set-up would give Ferrari a comparative reading for the new nose`s effect.

If the test goes well, Ferrari are expected to give the new nose its race debut in Spain in two weeks` time.

Massa finished the day over 2.5 seconds ahead of his closest rival.

14.4.2008   ▪ Formula One    ▪ Ferrari    ▪ www.autosport.com