Sauber first team to copy the F-duct system

The Sauber team seems to have been the first to copy the F-duct system pioneered by McLaren. In Melbourne, the Sauber car appeared on Thursday fitted with the Swiss team’s version of the technology

In just two weeks BMW Sauber was able to come up with version of device to fit it to its C29. This technology helps stall the rear wing at high speed when a driver closes off a vent in the cockpit.

This device appears to have been fitted on Sauber’s C29s on top of the lefthand sidepod. In this case the air should be channelled through the car it is then blown out onto the main profile of the rear wing, rather than the upper element as happens with McLaren.

Sauber seems to have also been inspired by McLaren’s design with the introduction of a slot gap in the middle of the upper element.

With the teams being unable to test in the wind tunnels at higher speeds (slower than when the ducts become useful on track), Sauber is yet to decide if it’s C29 will be racing the Australian Grand Prix with the new technology.