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We are not aiming for downforce, just balancing the upforce, so there is no net induced drag. By using the space under the car for more airflow, the effective frontal area is reduced, and less air has to go over the top, doing the lifting-wing thing there. John Cobb's Railton is a good example of the profile I have in mind, although it could have the parallel center section as drawn. People are worried about the effect of ram air being compressed under the nose, but the venturi effect makes up for it. A rounded nose lets the stagnation point move up or down a bit, so you don't have to select and maintain the ideal splitter height. It also saves a bit on skin friction and weight.
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