Photo: Ferrari
As all the other Formula One contenders, Ferrari is also working on a new powerplant that will comply with FIA's 2014 regulations. The main modification is dropping the 2.4-liter V8 in favor of the turbocharged 1.6-liter V6, but things are not as easy as they sound.
According to Scuderia Ferrari's head of engines, Luca Marmorini, the task of developing a totally new unit is difficult in all aspects, especially with the complex electronics and management systems that are required by F1's governing body.
“There is no one single aspect of the new project that is more critical than the next,” said the engineer. “I’d say it’s difficult in all 360 degrees. For example, the turbo is a new type which runs to 25,000 rpm and is definitely something absolutely new. Also the very complex electronics and management systems are a very big step forward, which means that engine management will be a very difficult challenge.”
Marmorini fears that the new engines will be a lot more difficult to handle under FIA's demanding regulations and thinks whoever can create the most reliable unit will have the best shot at winning the first "new turbo V6 era" season.
“Next year, with an engine having somewhere between 600 and 650 horsepower and an additional 160 horsepower coming from the ERS, if you add the two it’s very similar to what you have today. Next year, whoever can handle the engine in a good way and be reliable will have good results. But it will be difficult to run the season without issues, considering we are talking about four to five thousand kilometres per unit which is almost double what we are doing right now,” Marmorini added.
Renault was the first to reveal their new 2014 Formula One engine last week. Already in the final stages of testing, the V6 powerplant delivers 760 bhp, of which 160 bhp are provided by the two electric motors.
“There is no one single aspect of the new project that is more critical than the next,” said the engineer. “I’d say it’s difficult in all 360 degrees. For example, the turbo is a new type which runs to 25,000 rpm and is definitely something absolutely new. Also the very complex electronics and management systems are a very big step forward, which means that engine management will be a very difficult challenge.”
Marmorini fears that the new engines will be a lot more difficult to handle under FIA's demanding regulations and thinks whoever can create the most reliable unit will have the best shot at winning the first "new turbo V6 era" season.
“Next year, with an engine having somewhere between 600 and 650 horsepower and an additional 160 horsepower coming from the ERS, if you add the two it’s very similar to what you have today. Next year, whoever can handle the engine in a good way and be reliable will have good results. But it will be difficult to run the season without issues, considering we are talking about four to five thousand kilometres per unit which is almost double what we are doing right now,” Marmorini added.
Renault was the first to reveal their new 2014 Formula One engine last week. Already in the final stages of testing, the V6 powerplant delivers 760 bhp, of which 160 bhp are provided by the two electric motors.
Google News