Japan Tech Corner: Updated STR Nose

For the Japanese GP Toro Rosso have implemented a new nose design in an attempt to get valuable points to jump up the Constructor's championship.

The new nose is similar to the Red Bull style, hardly surprising considering the links between the team, with a defined 'keel' the notable similarity - which keeps the nose obeying the 2014 Technical Regulations. Obviously there is an aesthetic upside to a keel design, but it will also improve performance in yaw (sideways movement of the car) due to the high pressure difference created between the nose tip and keel.

While it's obvious RBR have the 'S' duct system (see Mid-Season Tech Review Part 3 for a more detailed explanation), it remains to be seen if their sister team Toro Rosso have also gone down this route.


Image: AMS

First image of Honda Power Unit released

McLaren's 2015 Power Unit, made by Honda, has been shown for the first time to the public.

Honda's Chief of Motorsport, Yasuhisa Arai, has confirmed that the company's new base in Milton Keynes has been completed, but their engine is still under development - amid rumours they are behind schedule.

Arai said: "In addition to conducting simulations, we have moved onto the next stage where we conduct full-fledged bench tests of the engine while connecting the turbocharger and energy recovery systems."

"In the meantime, our racing operation base in Milton Keynes has become fully operational. At this time, we are unveiling an image of our power unit that is under development, getting ready for the forthcoming start of F1 participation in 6 months. Stay tuned for further updates."

Looking at the initial image the Honda PU has a similar layout to their Renault counterparts, but we'll have to wait for further images for more  technogical comments to be made. Honda will share a preview of the engine's sound this weekend in their home Grand Prix at Suzuka.