F1 2009-13 part four: the exhaust-blown diffuser
In the final part of our series on the 2009-13 F1 regulations, EDD STRAW underlines how an innovative take of an old idea resulted in the era-defining exhaust-blown diffuser
The word innovation is usually applied to a new idea. But innovation can also be a new application of an old idea - and that is exactly what happened with the exhaust-blown diffuser, arguably the defining design concept of the 2009-2013 rules cycle.
The shorthand term really refers to the way in which high-speed exhaust gases were used to generate downforce. This involved variously blowing the diffuser, downforce-producing brake ducts and the way in which the airflow could be used to make the aero at the rear of the car work more effectively, for example by creating 'virtual' skirts.
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