Aston Martin’s Formula 1 car is set for a major update at the Spanish Grand Prix, with the first major development aimed at solving its chronic porpoising problem.
The team has had a disappointing start to the 2022 season and trails only Williams in the constructors’ championship with six points from the first five races.
As well as being over the weight limit, the Aston Martin had to ride at a higher ride height to alleviate the bouncing problem which severely affected its original design and cost it a lot of money. ‘support.
Team principal Mike Krack said in Australia that the upgrades which should have a significant impact on the car’s performance should arrive in “a few races” and that should happen in Spain next weekend.
These changes, including a new floor, should be visible although it’s unclear if the previously announced pontoon redesign, away from wide pods with a major undercut, will be part of them.
Sebastian Vettel said in Miami: “We have a big package coming up at Barcelona.
“We know it’s not a big step yet in terms of performance, so we’ll see.
“I look forward to updates.”
A double in the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix is Aston Martin’s only score of the season, although Vettel looked to add a point or two in Miami before a late crash with Mick Schumacher.
The Aston Martin was more competitive in the USA although its drivers didn’t quite understand why as the car was unchanged from Imola – where it had its first change related to its major floor problems.
At Imola, Aston Martin moved the outer forestay forward to stiffen this part of the floor and minimize deflection to reduce ground contact.
Stopping its car from porpoising and cutting weight were key development priorities for Aston Martin at the start of the year.
But a third area had also been identified, relating to the feedback the car gives to the drivers.
Vettel and teammate Lance Stroll had particularly struggled in Australia, where Krack said the car did not inspire confidence as they lacked steering feel.
He had indicated that some suspension-related changes were coming and that revisions would have been made in the US, which also helped the riders.
There will likely be a high rate of development led by Aston Martin’s technical chief, Andrew Green, at the next grands prix.
Krack previously indicated that Aston Martin wants to make “updates at every race” and is “quite a long way” from ditching the 2022 car.
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