Looks like Renault could be even worse than originally thought. Roomer has it that Red Bull are looking for a new engine for next year and Renault is looking outside to find technical help. Maybe we'll see a Red Bull Honda in 2015
That certainly fits with the Caterham design. It's far larger in the back, so probably has far more room for cooling. Which may explain its comparative reliability next to the Red Bull and other Renaults. I'm actually kind of intrigued by what's happening at the back of the grid. Caterham's built a more reliable car, and is banking on that early reliability to maybe get a point. If enough people at the lead and midfield have to retire, the tortoise-v-hare strategy might work. If they get even one point they'll stay in for next year as well.
Does anyone have any idea why they're going to ban the use of tyre warming blankets next year? Pirelli to test for tyre warmer ban in Bahrain - F1 Fanatic
They tried to push a tire warmer ban through at least twice before based on cost savings...if I remember correctly. Idea scuppered when drivers complained it would create safety issues. I hadn't heard they were trying it again and don't know whether cost is the justification this time.
Seems like it'll mess up tyre pressures for a bit. You'd have to fill in anticipation of your target temperature, and in F1, that can be a science in an of itself. They'll probably have to inflate with some exotic non-expanding gas or something. I'm also wondering if the infrared cams had anything to do with this. You can see the tyres getting all nice and orange during cornering and braking, but they seem to cool very rapidly. Though, I'm betting that the surface temp is very very different from the core temperature. Could they put the tryes in heating cabinets I wonder.... In any event, it should lead to some interesting changes in strategy.
Don't remember whether it was F1 but someone definitely has already done the tire box or tent or oven trick. Though current articles mostly mention warming blankets I'd almost bet money the FIA's text uses the less specific word "warmers" as a result.
Sounds a lot like stop-start to me. Ferrari V6 turbo engine uses clever method to save fuel (grandprix247.com) Read more Ferrari V6 turbo engine uses clever method to save fuel | Grand Prix 247
Seriously, each team spends more on catering for a weekend than tire warmers cost, most likely! The stupid things they try to save money on, and being pound foolish.
So they'll have to have an on-board starter then. That's not been the case for some time. - edited to add - I wonder if that's simpler to do with the new battery systems.
Williams have signed a multi-year partnership with Brazilian oil company Petrobras, the Formula One team said on Tuesday. The former champions had Venezuelan state oil company PDVSA as their biggest sponsor until Venezuelan Pastor Maldonado left at the end of last season. They have now signed Brazilian Felipe Massa from Ferrari as one of their two drivers for 2014.
Williams is pleased to announce that it has signed a new multi-year partnership agreement with Brazilian multi-national energy company Petrobras. Williams and Petrobras have had a history of technology collaboration dating back to 1998 when the team started using Petrobras’ fuel for the first time in a partnership which lasted for 11 years. This new agreement will see the Williams and Petrobras technical collaboration continue once more as the two parties work together to develop a new specialist motorsport fuel for use by the team starting in the 2015 season. With new engine regulations coming into effect from 2014 that require teams to use more efficient fuels, Petrobras’ expertise will ensure that the team is well placed to meet the demands of greater energy efficiency within the sport. Petrobras will use the global platform of Formula One to further brand awareness through the placement of its logo on the side of the Williams Mercedes FW36 chassis and across the team environment and apparel. Petrobras is a Brazilian company and global leader in energy production through deepwater oil and gas exploration and production. Today they are the pioneers in one of the world’s most promising oil and gas reserves: the pre-salt formation, which will aid the company in doubling its production by 2020. This increase will significantly impact global energy supply and further the development of society. Petrobras President Maria das Graças Silva Foster celebrated the return of the company to a Formula One team by saying: “We are very happy to be going back to the biggest motorsport competition in the world. During the 11 years that Williams was by our side we made significant advances in product development, such as Podium gasoline. Participating in this competition is a huge challenge, since it requires us to always be ready to meet the highest standards for quality and efficiency demanded by the category. We are very excited to start this new challenge.” Speaking about the new partnership Sir Frank Williams, Founder and Team Principal of Williams, said: “Petrobras and Williams have had a successful partnership before and we are both looking forward to reuniting for 2014. Technologically they are very strong and that will be important for the team as the new regulations have made fuel efficiency increasingly important. They are also a very ambitious global company and we are looking forward to working together to further their marketing goals.” Source - Williams Announces New Partnership with Petrobras
And they're not exactly use once and replace items. I imagine as long as they're not abused they can be used for multiple seasons. This is one of those rare times when I agree with muppet head Bernie (and you), who said if they want to cut costs the teams should stop taking all the massive and ludicrously expensive catering/entertainment gear to every race. Of course, if they really do cut that stuff Bernie will be the first to gripe that the glamor is going away and whine that he can't get free champagne and sausages anywhere and everywhere he wants. Trying my best to imagine the other side of the warmers argument, I'm sure proponents of this change point to costs other than purchase or manufacturing, including someone to maintain and operate them, the space and weight they add to transport and.....hmmm, this isn't easy, and it's probably why the drivers keep winning this argument; low (overall) cost relative to grip and driver safety.
Driver safety.....seriously? This is the only series to use the tire cookers. I say tell the drivers to start learning how to drive a race car.
From the way I read it it sounds like fuel cut off when the throttle is lifted. But I would have thought they'd already have that. We do in our cars. I think stop-start, on a hot turbo charged racing engine, during a pit stop would spell trouble.
More misery for Red Bull, and once again Caterham is the only Renault powered car to make any progress. However problems were not limited to the Renaults, with the Mercedes powered Williams finishing only 5 laps. Hulkenberg heads test as Renault struggle goes on - F1 Fanatic
Cold rubber (a history) | Formula 1 | F1 Blogs | ESPN.co.uk And also the reason - apparently it is to "save costs" At least they're raising the weight limit though, don't see why they couldn't do that for this season. Read more at FIA ban tyre warmers and increase minimum weight for 2015 | FIA | Formula 1 news, live F1 | ESPN F1