Engine power critical in 2017 - Webber
- Published on 07 Feb 2017 18:18
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- By: Fergal Walsh
Mark Webber thinks that engine performance will be critical in 2017, despite the new regulations being introduced focusing on aerodynamics and mechanical grip.
For the 2017 season, F1 undergoes another regulation change which will add downforce to the car and wider,fatter tyres meaning more speed and grip through corners.
Although teams will be pushing to get the new regulation changes right, engine power will be important to compensate for the drag produced by the wider wings and tyres.
"The cars are going to have a lot more downforce, it's going to be more power sensitive than ever. You'll need a bigger engine more than you ever have done, because of wider tyres and more drag. The cars are getting quite heavy, with the wider tyres, which is a bit unfortunate because it will slow them down."
The new cars are said to be at least three or four seconds quicker which will mean the driver will be have to be at the peak of fitness when the season gets underway in Australia in March.
"The sporting side should be a good step forward, the cars are going to be quicker than they've been for a long time. The drivers will be earning their money again, and they'll be sweating on the podium again, which will be great. They'll be going back to lap times like we used to do 10 years ago. I think that will be a good visual to watch."
Fergal Walsh
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Replies (3)
Login to replyf1fan0101
Posts: 1,804
Good point actually, haven't really thought about it
bremgarten
Posts: 38
Nailing the set-up will be even more critical.
The extra available downforce will penalise unnecessary tyre friction even more.
boudy
Posts: 1,168
hmm, we will see. Since these F1 engines were already generating around 1000bhp I am unsure if the impact of another say 40bhp would make such a massive effect. I believe engine efficientcy and driveablity will be far more important than outright horsepower. Also more fuel is allowed however since cars will be running more at full power. Engines will be a need to be more fuel efficient since they are limited to a max of 105kg of fuel per race and a max fuel rate of 100kg/hour. Since the demand on the engine will be going up it would mean that you burn more fuel, so fuel efficientcy is a major issue.