Thread: Luca Furbetta about the features STR8

Luca Furbetta about the features STR8

Chief designer team Toro Rosso Luca Furbetta told about the features of new STR8, which was presented on Monday in Jerez...

Luca Formatto: "I started working at Toro Rosso 1 December 2011, my main goal was to learn as much as possible about the team and meet STR7 developed by my predecessor.

Last year in pre-season tests, we were able to assess the strengths and weaknesses of the STR7. It was immediately clear that she has some problems with weight distribution: we failed to find a compromise within the framework of the regulations, and the solution to this problem was the starting point when developing a STR8.

Another key factor was the desire to create a base to work with aerodynamics. Rear STR7 became the development of the solution used in STR6. I knew that the rear part of the machine can be reduced to make it more compact. This was another area on which we focus in the work on STR8.



We began the project in March 2012. The work began with the rear side, transmission, hydraulics and rear suspension, because the production and testing of these components require the most time. Part drawings gearbox was ready in July. Later we tested on a dynamic stand and now feel confident in its reliability. The second part of the task was to integrate the transmission to the rear suspension with an emphasis on aerodynamic efficiency and increase clamping force. When designing the chassis needed to create a good mechanical basis for the Department of aerodynamics.

If we talk about the configuration of the suspension, its work and its components, everything is new. In STR7 we had limited ability to change settings, but STR8 we significantly changed this aspect, adding details that were not on previous machines team. This should help engineers and riders to improve manageability and behavior on the road is a new machine.

If we talk about the aerodynamic concept, and in this respect there is a fundamental change compared with the previous year. In 2012 the development of the machine was limited, and it is connected with hallmark STR7 characteristic design of the side pontoons. Initially they looked pretty good, but then it turned out that the car is difficult to modify, and during the season we reached her limit. So in early August, we decided to go the other way, to use this opportunity to change the cooling system of the machine, so that STR8 radiators are much lower. This helped to lower and lower line of the side pontoons.

Car looks familiar, retaining some features of the STR7, because it is based on existing regulations. We have planned a rich program of modernization in the first half of the season, most of which will be based on the rear part of the exhaust.

As for weight, we assume that, due to design features STR8, we will be able to use all the possibilities that exist within the rules. Judging by the first signs, the suspension corresponds to our ideas, and if we talk about the effectiveness of aerodynamics, the situation is much better than at the end of last season. Another positive point is that the pace of development of machines grow, further demonstrating the potential of moving forward in the work of downforce.

If we talk about the staff, the staff team has grown a little bit. All retained motivation, although the case in 2012 was not very successful. All worked with great dedication to on time to prepare STR8. I must say that the only part that has remained from the old machine is the wheel! For a group that size is twice less than the top teams, the fact that we have finished the project is already a great achievement.

If we talk about current activities, we continue to work in the wind tunnel, part of our aerodynamic Department is located in Bicester, UK. Over the last 12 months we have managed to significantly improve communication between the various departments. We have invested in the latest technology, therefore, despite the fact that we are working on different bases, one gets the impression that everyone is working in adjacent rooms. All of these additional measures helped to create a more solid design than the previous model.