--- title: "F1’s Prototype Spray Guards Really Stretch the Definition of ‘Open Wheel’" date: "2024-05-09" modified: "2024-05-09" authors: - name: "Jerry Perez" job_title: "Deputy Editor" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/jerry-perez" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/f1s-prototype-spray-guards-really-stretch-the-definition-of-open-wheel" categories: - "F1" - "News" - "Racing" --- # F1’s Prototype Spray Guards Really Stretch the Definition of ‘Open Wheel’ ![]() *\Getty \* I don't recall [Formula 1]() severely objecting to racing in the rain when I started watching it in the early '90s. But then again, we used to see crazy pile-ups like [this one at Spa]() in 1998 due to poor visibility. While frustrating for some die-hards, the [FIA]() nowadays prioritizes safety when it comes to racing in wet conditions, and these second-gen spray guards seen in action Thursday at Ferrari's home track [could very well be the solution]() to the dangers of wet-weather racing. ![]() ![]() ![]() [Scuderia Ferrari]() was granted special permission by the FIA to test two new prototypes of spray guards, one with fully enclosed sides, and another with spoke-like sides. The test was carried out at Fiorano given that the Scuderia's own playground features a state-of-the-art sprinkler system. Carrying out driving duty was Arthur Leclerc in the lead car (yes, Charles' younger brother), and Ferrari's Super-Sub Oliver Bearman in the second car. The purpose of the test was to analyze the guards' effectiveness in reducing spray for following cars. A video shared by [YouTuber Varryx ]()reveals that the Scuderia only soaked a very small portion of its track, instructing both cars to do short laps and repeatedly run over the wet tarmac. It's also noticeable that Bearman followed the lead car at various distances, ranging from right-smack behind Leclerc to several car lengths. ![]() ![]() ![]() Neither Ferrari nor the FIA have revealed any results yet, but images from the test show that the carbon guards are drastically different from the first-gen prototypes tested at Silverstone in 2023. Images from that test were not shared with the public, but [these technical images]() highlight those differences. According to *[Motorsport.com]()*, it's known that the first units tested did not reduce spray at all. Maybe this new design will be more effective, though chances are we're still far from the final iteration. While not exactly pretty—by a long shot—spray guards should, in theory, reduce race delays and lower the chance of races getting shortened or canceled due to unsafe driving conditions. Of course, it will also make racing in the rain safe for drivers, track marshalls, and spectators. Whether you're for them or against them, that's something we can all get behind. https://youtu.be/06PVrOCAzac?si=z_hMvc0f9N45Dm2R&t=91 *Got a tip? Email us at tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Jerry is responsible for upholding The Drive's ethos as an audience-first, enthusiast-driven car blog that serves up industry-leading news, reviews, culture, and motorsport coverage. Overseeing a staff of writers and editors from his home base in Indianapolis, he helps curate the site's daily rundown, as well as its medium- and long-term content strategies. Jerry joined The Drive in 2018 as a writer and worked as news editor and managing editor before becoming the deputy in 2023. As a lifelong car enthusiast and racing fan, Jerry believes that all cars are cool, but the people behind the machines are even cooler. This belief often gives The Drive a slightly different focus from most other car sites, where we explore the humanity behind the machines. When he's not obsessing over the day's biggest stories or hanging out at a race track, Jerry can be found behind the wheel of a car, most likely sharing a laugh with his teenage son or daughter. ### Author social links [Instagram]()