The Racing Point Formula 1 Team is partnering with Gordon Murray Automotive (GMA) to further develop and test the aerodynamics of the British OEM’s T.50 supercar. In addition to utilizing the race team’s rolling-road wind tunnel at its Silverstone HQ, GMA will gain insight and expertise from Racing Point’s engineers.
“Formula 1 remains a deep passion of mine, so partnering with Racing Point to develop the T.50 is hugely exciting,” explained Gordon Murray, chairman of the Gordon Murray Group. “I’ve dreamt of delivering a road car with a ground-effect fan since I designed the Brabham BT46B F1 racing car in 1978.”
The partnership will see the T.50 move from software-based aerodynamic testing (via computational fluid dynamics) to physical testing in the Racing Point rolling-road wind tunnel from early next year. The F1 team’s performance-focused aero testing capabilities will allow the use of a 40% scale model
Lawrence Stroll, Racing Point team owner, said, “Working on the T.50 with Gordon Murray Automotive is an honor and a privilege for everyone at Racing Point. Our aerodynamicists will utilize our wind tunnel to harness the very latest Formula 1 expertise and experience for the T.50 project, ensuring Gordon’s revolutionary fan concept delivers its full potential.”
Alongside this announcement, GMA has unveiled the first official image of the T.50. Equipped with a 400mm ground-effect fan, the V12 supercar has a unique airflow management system.
Coupled with active underbody aerodynamics and dynamic rear aerofoils, the aero system enables the T.50 to achieve considerably more aerodynamic performance and control than a conventional ground-effect supercar.