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Haas Sticks with Ferrari Wind Tunnel Despite Toyota Partnership
Haas F1 Team has opted to continue utilizing Ferrari’s wind tunnel for its aerodynamic testing, even after entering a notable technical collaboration with Toyota in the previous season.
Historically, Toyota’s F1 operations, which faced challenges and ultimately withdrew from the sport in 2009 without securing a win, did leave behind a highly regarded wind tunnel in Cologne. This facility had been favored by various teams for its advanced technology at the time.
Despite this reputation, Haas has chosen to remain with the Ferrari wind tunnel that it has used since becoming part of Formula 1 in 2016. This decision aligns with Haas’s pursuit of a new headquarters that will consolidate its performance work, which is currently dispersed across locations in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Italy. This new facility will also be equipped with a driver-in-loop simulator, a critical component of Toyota’s investment in Haas.
Team principal Ayao Komatsu shared with Autosport and select media that while change may be on the horizon, Haas has no immediate plans to transition to the Toyota wind tunnel. “Never is a strong word,” he commented, “but for the foreseeable future, we have no plans to move out of the Maranello wind tunnel.”
In the wake of Toyota’s departure from F1, teams such as McLaren, Williams, and Aston Martin have made use of the Cologne wind tunnel for their research purposes. Ferrari utilized this tunnel temporarily while updating its facility located in Maranello, which boasts a unique design by Renzo Piano. Currently, only Cadillac operates out of the Toyota tunnel.
At its peak, Toyota’s wind tunnel was known for its Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV), a method superior to traditional smoke testing for visualizing airflow. PIV uses illuminated particles, providing a more accurate flow representation. However, many teams, including Ferrari, have since incorporated PIV into their own facilities, alongside advancements to meet the demands of modern ground-effect regulations.
In recent developments, Ferrari has upgraded its wind tunnel, replacing its rolling road with a ‘rubberised’ version. This new feature more closely mimics track surfaces, enhancing aerodynamic research. In contrast, any upgrade to Toyota’s facility to reach similar capability would require substantial investment and time.
Komatsu noted the competitive advantage gained from the technology improvements made by Ferrari, stating, “I think it’s a win-win situation. We benefit from Ferrari’s research without having to direct our own resources towards it.” He dismissed the need to relocate to the Toyota facility, highlighting its current limitations in technology compared to what Ferrari offers.
Haas aims to create a more efficient working environment, consolidating research and performance efforts under one roof, as discussions regarding potential new headquarters in the UK are ongoing. This facility is expected to house the upcoming driver-in-loop simulator, reducing the need for personnel to commute from the UK to Maranello for access to the Ferrari simulator.
Komatsu expressed concerns about Haas’s limited use of simulators, noting that the team averaged only around 15 days of simulator operation in the previous year. As other teams actively utilize simulator technology for performance enhancements, this gap highlights the need for Haas to enhance its capabilities.
As Haas seeks to leverage its partnerships and improve its operational efficiency, the decision to remain with Ferrari’s wind tunnel while pursuing future developments illustrates its strategic approach in a highly competitive environment.
Source
www.autosport.com