The 2021 Belgian Grand Prix has left deep marks in the reputation of Formula 1. The non-race caused by the poor visibility at Spa is now being grouped under the same heading as the dramatic American Grand Prix of 2005.
The need to do something about the spray was underlined again at Suzuka at the end of 2022, after which Formula 1 came up with the plan to equip the cars with real fenders to catch the spray. However, due to a series of dry races, the idea fell into oblivion.
⚠️ | Formula 1 is set to test wet weather wheel arches for the first time after the British Grand Prix
These wheel arches should improve visibility in wet races by reducing spray
[@wearetherace]#BritishGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/H2vl4uxUYF
— Fastest Pitstop (@FastestPitStop) July 3, 2023
First test
Apart from an announcement of a test at the beginning of the year, the new fenders remained eerily silent. However, the radio silence was recently broken by the FIA with the news that the location and conditions of the test are known.
Following the British Grand Prix and tire testing for 2024, the FIA will conduct two-car trials on Silverstone’s National layout. Only the straight of the 2.6 kilometer circuit will be flooded.
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Mercedes vs McLaren
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The FIA will use a Mercedes car and a McLaren car for the test. The Mercedes will be fitted with the fender, while the McLaren will do without. In this way, the organization will be able to make a direct comparison between the amount of spray thrown up by the cars. The two will also follow each other closely on the straight for the ultimate comparison.
It is not yet known who will undertake the test for McLaren. At least Mick Schumacher is already ready to take on the task at Mercedes.
Based on the test, the FIA will determine whether the fenders will make sense in their current form. After all, a large part of the spray is thrown up by the venturi tunnels in the middle of the car. The devices are – fortunately – still seen as an absolute necessity for situations such as Spa and Suzuka.
