A lap of Le Mans in a Merc CLR

[grober]

Came across this video of Christophe Bouchut lapping the LE MANS circuit in a Mercedes CLR. ( yes the type that flew off the track ) Quality could be better but does give an impression of the sheer speed involved. Imagine doing this in the wet or at night!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9f-1869sGzQ&mode=related&search=
edit:- in case anyone hasn't seen a CLR "FLIP" here it is
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KqK5wEssHjY

 

[KillerHERTZ]

Whats the story with the Wiper in the centre of the screen? I see DTM cars do it aswell.

 

[grober]

I assume that due to the regs you got to have one mounted in a certain way. Then I guess its the best aerodynamic position for it if its not in use. But I'm just guessing???

 

[stats007]

I would think it's for aerodynamic reasons - they don't use them at high speed do they?

 

[miro]

I would think it's for aerodynamic reasons - they don't use them at high speed do they?

If my sedan is any example, anything about 60MPH and the water beads off. The rear glass doesnt even get wet.

I would expect that racing cars would be even more advanced in this regard.

 

[BonzoDog]

Glad my Mercedes doesn't sound that rough.

 

[Mactech]

I would expect that racing cars would be even more advanced in this regard.[/QUOTE]
Well, yes and no... Certaintly the rain beads off at speed and a good coat of RainX, but the wipers generally are useless above 100mph (Av. speed 140 ish).
I have never run a car at Le Mans with a 'robust' wiper system. Be it Jaguar, Toyota, McLaren or Bentley, wiper development was always a long way behind car development. Worst senario is a wet pit lane at night. Driver slows the car to the pit limiter, rain the does not stream off so he hits the wiper switch.
Smear enjoyment!
The oil, bugs, rubber and water serve to make the screen opaque and I have had drivers stranded in the middle of the pit unable to find thier pit crew and blinded by the pit lighting!
There is something to be said for an open car and rip-off visors!
Can't comment on the Mercedes wiper, but I hope it was more successful than the aerodynamics.

 

[mb240]

Whats the story with the Wiper in the centre of the screen? I see DTM cars do it aswell.

I *think* that the DTM requires the cars to be road worthy in the sense of having to have rain wipers. I presume they put it up in the middle to make the aerodynamics better, so it wouldn't be lifting off the screen like on the TVR in Top Gear.