Book reviews
of a portion of a camshaft and a simple schematic of the pneumatic valve closure system. On discovering this apparent shortcoming, I presumed that Renault, unlike RBR, was relatively more concerned about protecting its ‘secrets’. Whilst preparing this review, I have also learned that, typically, none of the F1 engine suppliers release any illustrations or drawings of its engine internals.
From the written description of the engine and its systems, I have discovered that it has no flywheel on the drive end of the crankshaft, which is connected directly to the clutch and transmission, via a short drive shaft. I have also learned, to my surprise, that valve timing is fixed, unlike an increasing number of road cars. Most surprisingly, I also discovered that engine development has effectively been ‘frozen’ since 2006 by FIA regulations, which left me wondering why the manufacturers should be so reluctant to reveal any mechanical details.
The book, which, for obvious reasons, cannot be a genuine workshop manual, also includes sections giving the driver’s,
the designer’s and the race engineer’s view, in addition to describing the car. It may be a minor point and Haynes is hardly likely to fall foul of the Trade Descriptions Acts: nevertheless, perhaps it should consider a subtle change to the titles of its increasing number of similar publications, whilst retaining the visual format of its genuine manuals.
In conclusion, I found the book
interesting and absorbing, providing technical information that I had not previously come across, but with which real F1 enthusiasts are probably entirely familiar. Its potential market may be among younger ‘petrolheads’ but if it excites a genuine interest in engineering and design in some of its readers, beyond the glamour of the F1 ‘circus’, then it will be performing a potentially valuable function.
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