Watch the Sauber C30 moveable rear wing in action

This is the rear wing of the new Sauber C30. Revised aero regulations are one of the biggest changes in the regulations from 2010 to 2011. Chief among those is the moveable rear wing concept, which, in theory will allow for more overtaking opportunities. At least, by lifting the rear wing on straight sections of track, where downforce is not crucial, a driver can go faster by reducing drag.

As with most things Formula One the regulations covering the use of adjustable bodywork are complex. Here’s the relevant text from the Technical Regulations as issued by the FIA:

The adjustable bodywork may be activated by the driver at any time prior to the start of the race and, for the sole purpose of improving overtaking opportunities during the race, after the driver has completed a minimum of two laps after the race start or following a safety car period.

The driver may only activate the adjustable bodywork in the race when he has been notified via the control electronics (see Article 8.2) that it is enabled. It will only be enabled if the driver is less than one second behind another at any of the pre-determined positions around each circuit. The system will be disabled by the control electronics the first time the driver uses the brakes after he has activated the system.

The FIA may, after consulting all competitors, adjust the above time proximity in order to ensure the stated purpose of the adjustable bodywork is met.

Will this work, both in theory and practice? Until proper racing kicks off in Bahrain we won’t know for sure. For now, just watch the clip and see an example of what a moveable rear wing looks like in action.

[via motorcentral]