CR12

A large focus of the 2016 season was to not only design, but to also implement an aerodynamic package consisting on both front and rear wings, and a set of side pods to add some ground effect. With all the sub groups working hard to minimise mass CR12 came in at 181kg at the FSUK scrutineering.
 
With the Aprilia SXV550 engine having been discontinued in 2013, CR12 was to be the last Cardiff Racing entrant using this motor. During pre-season shakedowns the Aprilia proved its merits, posting consistently fast times at our testing sessions. The team was in high spirits in the run up to FSUK, but alas there were surprises to come. We found there to be a problem in the gearbox that prevented us from shifting past 3rd, severely hampering our times during the first three dynamic events. On the Saturday evening we decided to swap the engine out ready for endurance, regrettably this unit also had underlying issues, culminating in a clutch failure ending CR12's UK campaign. Cardiff Racing returned to Europe with CR12 to follow the successes of CR11 the year before, this time attending events in Austria and Hungary. The engine issues continued, most regrettably in Hungary, where after strong performances in all events a small oil leak caused the team to be retired from endurance as per the rules.

The team managed to pick up 2nd in business, 3rd in cost and 9th in design at FS Hungary as well as top 10 in design at FS Austria. Strong statics results with some reliability issues meant that CR12 finished 38th at FSUK, 25th at Hungary and 20th at Czech. 
 
Not being the sort of people to dwell on the past Cardiff Racing are looking forward and have started implementing an all new motor ready for CR13 and the 2017 season.