Images
copyright and courtesy Bob
Chapman @ Autosport Image, Juha
Kivekas, and Auto Sprint (via Andrew Stefanoni)
Text
and images copyright
Michael
J. Fuller
Note
the double element wing shown here on the Bentley while testing at Monza
early in 2001. Given the wing rules mandating that the profiles fit
within a 40 cm (horizontal) x 15 cm (vertical) box, it makes more sense
to run a double element wing than a single. The reason for this is
that for any given drag level, a double element wing will generate more
downforce than a single element. In this execution (ACO rules), a
double plane wing is more efficient. |
Though
at Le Mans 2001 the Bentley officially ran with a single element wing. |
At
Le Mans 2002, The Bentley finally ran a double element rear wing. The
double element wing was worth a 1.5% reduction in drag, for a 1.25%
increase in downforce, and a resulting 2.75% increased in L/D.Note also the louvers over the front fenders and rear fenders. The NACA brake cooling duct that was the in sidepod flank last year, has now moved to the top of the rear fender leading edge. For 2002 the car's overhangs were modified, shortened at the nose and lengthened at the tail. |