next gen Dpg3 • formula stuDent Differentials see p70
not from a technical point of view, just from a show point of view, it is something that we need to make sure that the sport is happy for. This is a topic that, in my view, because it is for 2014, can still be discussed. We have the time to discuss it in a proper way.’
Domenicali added: ‘There are
different opinions on this subject because on one side there is the technical aspect and on the other side there is the sport and the passion. You may say that in the pit lane, with no noise, it would be difficult for people to perceive the passion that Formula 1 is all about. On the other side, you may say that Formula 1 has to be the pinnacle of motorsport in terms of new developments and research, so this goes in the opposite direction. I think this is something that we will discuss.’ James Allison, Renault technical director and head of FOTA’s Technical Regulations Working Group, says that technically a single electric motor system should not be a problem. ‘There are technical hurdles to be cleared in order to make it happen, but just things that make the configuration of the car change relative to what we’ve got
today. It is a complication from a design point of view, but it’s not an impossibility.’ The total power unit (engine,
energy recovery systems and ancillaries) must weigh no more than 155kg and have a c of g height not less than 200mm above the reference plane. It is likely that the first of
these new power units will run on the test bench next year. Five engine manufacturers are known to be evaluating programmes, including Renault, Ferrari, Mercedes and Cosworth, who all supply teams with 2.4-litre V8 engines currently. The identity of the fifth manufactuer is not known, and the Volkswagen Group is believed to be taking a keen interest. These ‘power units’, as the FIA dub the combined engine and energy recover systems, will drive the rear wheels through an eight-speed gearbox, something the drivers will no doubt struggle
CAUGHT
NASCAR Sprint Cup outfit, Joe Gibbs Racing, was caught with non-approved oil pans at Michigan during initial inspection at the track. The oil pans were weighted, but apparently the changes to the design were focused on adding front downforce and aiding aerodynamics. Any changes to approved items have to be assessed by NASCAR and this change fell under that heading, netting the three crew chiefs – Mike Ford, Dave Rogers and Greg Zipadelli – a hefty $50,000 fine each. Additionally, all three car chiefs and vp of racing operations, Jimmy Makar, were placed on probation until the end of the year. FINE: $150,000 (£91,400)
Joe Gibbs Racing was hit with another large fine at Pocono when the no 18 Sprint Cup car was found to be outside the minimum height at the front. As a result, crew chief, Dave Rogers, was fined,
while owner, Joe Gibbs, and driver, Kyle Busch, were both penalised with the loss of six championship points in the owner and driver championships respectively. FINE: $25,000 (£15,200) PENALTY: six points
Corrie Stott, crew chief at Stott Classic Racing – a part-time team in the NASCAR Nationwide Series – was fined and placed on probation until mid-August after an improperly attached weight was discovered during practice at Kentucky Motor Speedway. FINE: $10,000 (£6000)
The crew chief at Robertson Racing in the NASCAR Nationwide Series was fined and placed on probation until August 17 after it was found that the car he was tending sported an unapproved inlet manifold at opening day scrutineering at Kentucky Motor Speedway. FINE: $5000 (£3000)
with around Monaco. Despite the inclusion of an extra gear (likely only to be used with DRS employed), the transmissions will probably lose their reverse gears. Whilst all cars will still be required to be able to travel backwards, the current requirement for a specific gear will be made redundant by the ability of the cars to run on the electric motor only. The bigger motors and energy storage will also negate the need for starter motors, despite a new regulation that states all drivers must be able to start their cars via a cockpit button alone (no external starter). This forces all teams to
employ energy recovery and hybrid (KERS) systems, something that is known to be a major challenge to both the engineering and financial departments. Currently, three teams do not employ KERS at all and others, such as Red Bull, struggle to make the technology work reliably.
BRIEFLY
Manufacturers return to Le Mans Porsche has confirmed it will return to Le Mans in the LMP1 category in 2014, and rumours continue to circulate that Jaguar is also evaluating a return under its Indian owner, Tata. Porsche’s return is not
thought to impact on Audi’s programme, with Audi committing to diesel and Porsche likely to develop a petrol hybrid system. Drivers mentioned in connection with the Porsche programme include Nick Heidfeld and Nico Hulkenberg, while Romain Dumas and Timo Bernhard remain under contract to Porsche.
Daytona debut The new generation of Grand- Am Daytona Prototype is on course to make its debut at next year’s 50th anniversary running of the Daytona 24 Hours. The car, which is built to a new set of regulations, is to be called the DPG3 – as it’s the third generation chassis – and we’re told it will feature an all-new body with a smaller greenhouse that should help give the car more aesthetically pleasing proportions. Grand-Am has received CAD
models from each of the active constructors in the formula: Coyote, Dallara and Riley.
Number crunch The increased overtaking in Formula 1 this year is only partly down to the Drag Reduction System. That’s the finding of a detailed analysis carried out by Mercedes GP of passing moves during the season, which states that up until July’s German Grand Prix there had been 623 overtakes – not including first lap passes or passes made because the car in front was damaged. The analysis shows 180 DRS-assisted passes and 225 ‘normal’ passes (the rest were 175 by faster cars on cars from the bottom three teams and 43 between team mates).
• more news online at www.
racecar-engineering.com September 2011 •
www.racecar-engineering.com 5
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