Front wing/nose
The nose is low — a “droop snoot” — which lowers the car’s centre of gravity and helps to produce a lot of downforce. There is neat detailing on the endplates of the front wing to deflect air around the tyres, and the whole section is obviously robust.
Sidepods
These are both high and small, which helps the airflow around the car. Brawn have managed to provide sufficient cooling for the Mercedes engine without compromising the car’s aerodynamic qualities.
KERS device (Kinetic Energy Recovery System)
There isn’t one. While other teams have spent a lot of time and money perfecting these energy-from-braking devices, Brawn has simply done without, saving weight and helping to ballast the car for a good balance.
Diffuser
The bit under the rear wing, between the wheels, that got everyone talking. Brawn, like Williams and Toyota, has increased the area of this valuable air-smoothing part by incorporating it into the car’s rear crash-protection section. Either clever, or too clever to be legal.
Virgin territory...
Sir Richard Branson said he was astonished at his good fortune after watching Brawn GP’s one-two victory. Branson’s Virgin Group signed a sponsorship deal with the team just hours before he flew out to Australia to watch the race.
“What can I say other than I’m just a lucky b-----d. Occasionally in life you get those situations which are too good to be true and this was one such situation.”
Branson revealed that the victory had tempted him to consider an even bigger role in F1. He has already said he wants to lead a 'clean fuel’ revolution in the sport and hinted he could possibly take over the naming rights of Brawn GP.
How Brawn turned it around
Dec 5, 2008 : Honda drop bombshell by announcing they are pulling out of the sport with immediate effect and warn the team will fold unless a buyer comes forward by the end of the year. Chief executive Nick Fry says there could be as many as three potential buyers.
Dec 29 : Mexican billionaire Carlos Slim denies reports he has visited the Honda team headquarters in Brackley with a view to a buy-out.
Jan 16, 2009 : Concerns are raised over Fry's possible conflict of interest in a possible management buyout.
Feb 20 : Richard Branson's Virgin group is touted as a possible saviour.
Feb 21 : Branson confirms his interest in investing in F1, but only if costs are cut and the sport becomes more environmentally friendly.
Feb 23 : Honda say they cannot find a "serious buyer".
March 4 : New hope for the team with news they are scheduled to take part in all four days of the final Formula One group test at Barcelona.
March 6 : The future of the team is assured after Honda agree to pass ownership of the operation to Ross Brawn, who becomes principal of the new team. Mercedes agree to supply engines.
March 26 : Ferrari, Renault and Red Bull Racing launch a protest against Brawn GP, Williams and Toyota for what they claim is an illegal diffuser on the rear of their cars. The complaint is later rejected by stewards, although an appeal is launched, to be heard by the FIA's Court of Appeal on April 14.
March 28 : Brawn GP confirm Branson is to become a major sponsor. They complete a qualifying one-two at the Australian Grand Prix with Jenson Button on pole and Rubens Barrichello second. It is the first time since 1970 that a new team has started from pole position.
March 29 : Drivers Jenson Button and Rubens Barrichello pull off an amzing one-two in Melbourne.
