F1 tech

[Thrumbleux]

For anyone taking an interest in the new engine tech in F1 this season (Hurrah! - it's an 'engine formula' again, not an 'aero' one) here's a link to an article that explains it in some detail.
Here >> http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/...e#/e5b6bd2e/50

[adrimo]

Re: F1 tech

Mercedes run a different turbo configuration, so it's nice to see some innovation as well

[Evilution]

Re: F1 tech

I was a bit concerned about the changes this year but despite the cars looking worse, sounding rubbish and ERS making it more like Mariokart or Wipeout... Last weekend's race had more excitement than all of the last season. I've probably not seen a race like that since Vettel spun and therefore came 2nd in Canada a few years back.

[Thrumbleux]

Re: F1 tech

The race last weekend was an absolute belter. Hopefully, it's team mate on team mate for the rest of the season.

What I'm really enjoying this season is that even watching on a TV screen the cars can be seen to react to the throttle - getting all squirmy and trying to get sideways.
It's not long since the point of opening the throttle was to energise the diffusers - not that the results could be seen by spectators.

There's criticism of the noise this season but the torqueless V8s sounded like electric motors and nothing about them would ever filter down to road use. The current tech will be on our cars in years to come.

Give me an engine formula everytime. Aerodynamics for 200mph has no relevance outside the confines of a race track. Turbo grunt, well that's different....

[problemchild1976]

Re: F1 tech

I love the sound...... its more refined and not just a scream for screams sake.

if you listen in surround sound its sooo sweet.

..and yes... what an awesome race!!

JJ

[Evilution]

Re: F1 tech

Plus it's quite cool to be able to hear the wheel spin as the pull away from a pit stop.
It must be easier for the people in the pits not having to deal with the noise and the drivers can hear their radios now so you can't pretend you didn't hear Multi 21 next time.

[Thrumbleux]

Re: F1 tech

Yep, it's good to hear some of the other noises the cars emit. They are a lot more visceral this year even though quieter overall.

drivers can hear their radios now so you can't pretend you didn't hear Multi 21 next time.

No one told Massa in Malaysia!

PS.
While I'm here editing my geography...
Domenicali has quit Ferrari.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/formula1/27023145

[Evilution]

Re: F1 tech

Quit, yeah right.
You don't quit because you haven't done very well in 3 races.
He was pushed.

I don't really understand the "sack the manager for our poor performance" that you get a lot in football.

[Thrumbleux]

Re: F1 tech

Can't see the logic in myself either.
Three away from home races into a season with massive technological change and Ferrari haven't yet found their feet whereas Mercedes hit the ground running - at least in part to greater reliability during pre-season testing which allowed the MB engined cars more on-track development miles. Unless Mercedes have a fundamental technological advantage, the others will catch up.
I can't see how sacking Domenicali helps Ferrari catch up. I wonder who will replace him. Are Ferrari looking back to their golden age with Schumacher and think all they have to do is re-hire Ross Brawn?

[Thrumbleux]

Re: F1 tech

Nope, not Brawn then.
The guy who sold Maseratis to Yanks has got the gig.

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/113454

[Evilution]

Re: F1 tech

The reason that Red Bull and Ferrari aren't as good so far this season is because they were concentrating too much on the last season.
Maclaren and Mercedes pretty much wrote off last season when they couldn't compete so started building their 2014 car 6 months before the others.

[problemchild1976]

Re: F1 tech

ferrari are not exactly specialists in small turbo engines though

JJ

[Thrumbleux]

Re: F1 tech

Ferrari's lack of performance is suspected to be more chassis related than engine (Ferrari are not short of engine expertise and F1 is a bit beyond Clio tech).

More info here >> http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/formula1/26946444

but what is said re MB's turbo architecture is pretty suspect.

Here >> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=96cHD7H1ZEw#t=26

it appears that the compressor and turbine are separated by no more than the width of the MGU-H sandwiched between turbine and compressor, not the length of the engine.
If the MB has an airflow advantage it is more likely to be because it employs an unrestricted compressor inlet where the other two have a shaft leading from the compressor to the MHU-H.
More likely their advantage is in better software integrating and orchestrating the various components to better effect over a lap. That they began development earlier no doubt helped.

[Thrumbleux]

Re: F1 tech

BBC were correct. MB changed the layout.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=anLDCVD6v1s#t=318

[pas55]

Re: F1 tech

Ferrari's lack of performance is suspected to be more chassis related than engine (Ferrari are not short of engine expertise and F1 is a bit beyond Clio tech).
.

It's thought Merc have about 40 bhp over Ferrari not a lot I know.As teams are not allowed to update engines until the season is over it could be a season or two before Red Bull or Ferrari can catch up.