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Mercedes F1 team introduces radical scoop vanes on nose

Mercedes has revealed a major aerodynamic revamp of its W08 Formula 1 car for the Spanish Grand Prix, including a radical, scooped turning vane on the nose.

While much of Mercedes' focus has been on fixing its tyre degradation problems, it has arrived at Barcelona with a raft of changes aimed at adding performance in its fight with Ferrari.

The most-striking change is the under-nose turning vane, resembling a spoon on either side.

The aim will be to more-accurately control the airflow vortices coming off the front wing between the neutral central section and the external parts.

Mercedes has also introduced new bargeboards with three R-shaped upstands.

There is a revised winglet mounted to the front wishbone extension, new camera mounts, an altered floor ahead of the rear tyre, an updated rear wing and a new, two-tier monkey seat.

Valtteri Bottas and Lewis Hamilton will also get use of a fresh and updated engine, which has been tweaked to improve reliability.

Mercedes' other focus has been trying to reduce weight, with its bid to get on top of the sensitivity of tyres and car balance compromised by being unable to use ballast.

While the car's weight has come down steadily since the start of the season, the team accepts more work is needed.

"We are getting better as a team in all areas of the car, mechanically, aerodynamically, also with the weight - we are getting better and better," Bottas said.

"We still have work to do in all of these areas, including the weight, but it is definitely getting there.

"And we are extracting more and more performance but hopefully there is plenty more to unlock."

Zdroj: autosport.com