What I thought was cool was Red Bull came back out with their "fin" appendage, but this time it stretches all the way back to the rear wing.

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/44086/rbfin2.jpg">

McLaren also have some extensions on the "floor" of their car by the rear wheels.

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/44086/macfloor.jpg"><ul><li><a href="http://formula-1.updatesport.com/news/article/1236674898/formula_one/F1testing/Innovations-flow-on-09-cars/view.html">LINK</a></li></ul>

<ul><li><a href="http://www.pitpass.com/fes_php/pitpass_news_item.php?fes_art_id=37204">http://www.pitpass.com/fes_php/pitpass_news_item.php?fes_art_id=37204</a</li></ul>

Maybe they were just playing their cards close to their chest with the introduction of their new components in the actual tests (rather than in the lab) so that other teams could not copy them if they worked out. Only time will tell if their strategy pays off.<ul><li><a href="http://www.pitpass.com/fes_php/pitpass_news_item.php?fes_art_id=37203">LINK</a></li></ul>

They've been one of the top 3 teams 20 of the past 25 years, and excepting 2007, they haven't been out of the top 5 since 1980.

Maybe this is the result of having to build their own car for once.

I agree that it would be surprising for them to be off form, but rules shakeups can catch some teams out even with the resources they have. Look at their 2007. Look at Ferrari in 2005 (probably more tires than anything, but still). It's possible, but we'll soon see their true form.