2008 European GP Technical Review
Craig Scarborough explains the technical developments spotted in Valencia, which included front wings for Red Bull and Ferrari, and Force India's seamless shift gearbox
New to the calendar, the fast, open layout of the street circuit is unlike any of the other temporary circuits. Because the track is more flowing, and with a number of straights, downforce levels were lower than Monaco, for example. This placed an emphasis on engine power and efficient aerodynamics, again, in contrast to other street circuits.
However, the higher speeds attained required heavy braking for the several tight turns, thus brake cooling was a major consideration. Even with their larger inlet ducts, in the race Ferrari decided to remove the wheel fairings at their first stops to improve cooling.
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