Ducati Motogp 'hammerhead' fairing

[duke63]

[Kwacky]

That's a very weird looking bike.

[kiwikrasher]

Basically just shrouded winglets. Aside from the extra weight aerodynamically they will work better (and hopefully comply with the new rules) as there will be no wing tip losses. (Same reason airliners have those big vertical tips on the wings)

[Itchy]

[Blade]

You have to admire Ducati a very forward thinking and innovative company

A small fish that swims with huge sharks

[kiwikrasher]

Basically just shrouded winglets. Aside from the extra weight aerodynamically they will work better (and hopefully comply with the new rules) as there will be no wing tip losses. (Same reason airliners have those big vertical tips on the wings)

just looked online at some photos from other angles and from my limited knowledge and understanding of aerodynamics it appears its a bit more than just shrouding to get around the rules.

With airflow dynamics you have two main types of forces,
impulse- the airflow physically pushing on a surface,
and reaction-the airflow creating high and low pressure areas and creating force

Wings work on reaction, for lift low pressure above high pressure below, for downforce the wing is just 'upside down', as per last years winglets.
It looks like the upper part is now the winglet. The vertical part will prevent high pressure air spilling at the tip to the low pressure area. But its the bottom section that got my interest. It appears they have sloped it upwards. This would give an impulse force downwards as well. It will increase drag a fair bit though.

A further aspect to this is it looks like the opening is larger than the outlet. This would increase airflow velocity, improving the performance of the winglet but may also have a jet effect on the airflow moving through the shroud. because the airflow is directed on an angle upwards this would give additional downforce at the front. (similar concept to the exhaust patent design).

If I'm right, the rule change has resulted in a much more effective method, albeit bloody ugly, or I could just be talking a load of crap and have it completely wrong

[duke63]

IT would be interesting to know whether the exit of the airflow can be felt by the rider or can they route the airflow away?

[kiwikrasher]

IT would be interesting to know whether the exit of the airflow can be felt by the rider or can they route the airflow away?

I haven't found any photos from the back/riders view, but I'm guessing while tucked/cornering it would be directed up over their shoulders. If we get some wet racing the moisture in the air might give is some visual indications to airflow paths.

[Cav]

It looks like their head will be in the turbulence when hanging off - that could make for some blurred vision, horrific headaches and very sore necks

[kingfixer]

[D41]

Looks like something you'd see on a multi or some other dual-purpose type of ride.