Technical updates: Chinese GP

There are only a few minor upgrades introduced at this weekend’s Chinese Grand Prix as teams tackle a long-distance pair of back-to-back races.

One week after the season-opening Australian Grand Prix, the second race in Shanghai is again a long way from the respective factories of each team. Bringing new parts also needs to factor in customs clearance time, with four teams — McLaren, Red Bull, Mercedes and Aston Martin — being given free exemptions for breaking the curfew overnight due to the late arrival of freight.

As a result, it’s unsurprising that only four teams have submitted new components to the FIA, of which McLaren is one with a new rear brake duct winglet that improves aerodynamic performance.

At Racing Bulls, two new parts have been made available for the specific circuit demands in China. An additional gurney flap on the front wing and a two-element beam wing both can provided added downforce at higher-downforce venues if required.

Williams follows a similar approach with a larger rear beam wing, the team explaining: “The new beam wing options, which have a larger area than the previous version simply generate more load and drag from rear wing assembly. This gives an efficient increase in load at medium-high downforce circuits.”

After a point-scoring start to the season in Australia, Stake has a new engine cover for the second race. The team says it is a test item that “has a potentially positive effect to the flow field around the bodywork surfaces, improving both overall downforce of the car and the aero efficiency.”