Barge Boards - Turning vanes
Simple, old stile of Barge boards
More sophisticated BMW 2007 stile of Barge boards - vortex generators
Barge boards were once a primary feature shielding the radiator ducts from the turbulent wake of the front wheels, or so we thought. In recent designs, barge boards were replaced by vortex generators that direct vortex cores under the car with the aim of feeding the rear diffuser with high energy flow, and increasing the diffuser's effectiveness. It appears that traditional barge boards may have induced a similar effect but less effectively.
The 'barge boards', as they're unofficially known, are an aerodynamic device also used to slow down the air entering the sidepods - and therefore both the speed and quantity of air reaching the radiators and engine bay. They also reduce the drag of the exposed sidepods.
Ferrari racer for 2009 World Championschip - F60 have a small
bargeboards adapted to 2009 FIA Technical regulations
Despite various measures and rules changes from 2008 to 2009 to simplify the aerodynamics of current Formula 1 cars, teams are exploring all possible areas where some gains can be made. The area under the nose and ahead of the sidepods looks to be interesting for the car development because it is not that strictly regulated. So, bargeboards are still present in F1.
