Reuters
Formula One F1 – Italian Grand Prix – Autodromo Nazionale Monza, Monza, Italy- Racing Point’s Lance Stroll during practice Luca Bruno/Pool via REUTERS
Reuters
Formula One F1 – Italian Grand Prix – Autodromo Nazionale Monza, Monza, Italy- Racing Point’s Lance Stroll during practice Luca Bruno/Pool via REUTERS
Racing Point is taking full advantage of their partnership with Mercedes. The Silverstone-based outfit is all set to sport the W11’s rear suspension on its RP20 at the upcoming Russian Grand Prix (27th of September). The move is within the realms of legality and could provide a solid boost to the RP20 and its drivers.
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Moreover, Racing Point doesn’t even need to waste its development tokens over it. This is because the part has been already listed as ‘homologated’ by the Mercedes team. Thus, in a sense, Racing Point has exploited a loophole in the FIA’s regulations.
The idea to install the W11’s rear suspension was initially supposed to hold true for next year’s car. However, Racing Point had some incredible foresight and made a contingency plan of sorts.
They realized that if their competitors complain to the FIA about the loophole and the loophole was subsequently closed by the end of the month, they wouldn’t be able to bring the Mercedes rear suspension onto their 2021 car without having to forego 2 development tokens.
As things stand, the loophole has not been sealed shut. But, the Silverstone-based team has decided to go ahead with their plan.
Rear suspension not the only update for Racing Point in Sochi
Reuters
Formula One F1 – Belgian Grand Prix – Spa-Francorchamps, Spa, Belgium – Racing Point’s Lance Stroll during practice REUTERS/Francois Lenoir/Pool
The RP20 of Lance Stroll is set to run new sidepods, new floors, a new front, a new engine cover, and new brake ducts in Sochi besides the new rear suspension.
The initial plan was to get the upgrades on both the cars. However, Sergio Perez misses out on the updates in Sochi, thanks to Stroll’s crash in Mugello taking up the factory’s precious time.
Stroll, by virtue of being the first choice driver and the team’s top scorer, gets priority. ‘Checo’ will have to wait until the next race to receive the upgrades.
The multitude of upgrades could give the team a serious shot in the arm. They haven’t really been the strongest on tracks like Sochi, which demand higher power rather than downforce (think Spa or the Hungaroring).
However, this looks set to change. They might not expect to do battle with the Mercedes duo. But, they may well be in contention for a podium finish. Especially if a few things go their way.
