Downforce has a price.
A bigger force reading is only half the story. Use the wind tunnel to understand the balance between grip and resistance.
Two readings, one decision
In the APEX wind tunnel, downforce and drag respond to the same controls. Treat them as a pair. A setting that increases downforce also needs to be judged by the drag it adds.
What the ratio tells you
The displayed L/D ratio divides downforce by drag. A larger ratio means more downforce per unit of drag in this simplified model. It does not automatically mean a faster lap.
Speed changes the scale
Both forces depend on dynamic pressure, which increases with the square of speed while the model coefficients are held fixed. Compare 150 and 300 km/h at the same wing angle to see that relationship.
What this experiment leaves out
Real cars involve interacting surfaces, tyres, ride height and many other effects. This small model isolates a few ideas so you can explore them directly.