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Merc invents front wing F-duct

Mercedes has reinvented an F duct-style innovation and intends to debut it in 2012, Germany's Auto Motor und Sport reports.

The new F-duct was reportedly tested for the first time during practice ahead of the 2011 Suzuka F1 GP.

The F-duct is confined to the front wing, not the rear wing as per the systems banned at the end of 2010. Air enters through the oval vent at the very tip of the 2012 Mercedes nose, is redirected via and inside the front wing supports, then exits at the rear of the wing.

LEGAL F-DUCT

Unlike the 2010-style F ducts, the system is not manually triggered by the driver, making it legal.

Mercedes' idea is to redirect more undisturbed air through the floor of the car.

Auto Motor und Sport said McLaren boss Martin Whitmarsh was aware of the innovation and the head start now enjoyed by Mercedes.

"If you make a start now, it's already too late," he said, predicting that other teams would nonetheless also experiment with the idea.
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