How are F1 engines sealed by the FIA?

I think that they use an encripted tamper proof electronic tag like RFID tags. It is not like the old days where the scrutineer stamps the castings or wires the tank closed and puts a lead seal on the wire.

They also place exhaust blanking plates on the engines so the engine cannot run until the next race. These are removed by the FIA at the next event.

 

Excellent question Andreas and I've been thinking about it myself;for example, Ferrari supposedly has gearbox updates-how do they work on the car-is someone from FIA there to witness that no one works on the motor? Can they change the oil?

I'm sure if Colin Chapman were alive today he'd find some loophole....

 

These stupid seals are another reason why they need to get rid of the two race engine rule.

 

http://www.f1-live.com/f1/img/regulations/2007sport_en.pdf

Right around page 15-mentions the seals but doesn't give specifics. Some great stuff in there...great reading while I'm on the train....

Here's more technical regs:

http://www.f1-live.com/f1/img/regulations/2007tech_en.pdf

 

Exactly, the engine should just need to last through qualifying and the race thats it.

 

there's some kinda seal, where it needs to be tampered or broken in order to get to the other engine parts.

 

Has anyone thought of emailing SpeedTV and asking Matchett. Im sure he'd know plus probably mention the F-Chat when he answers the question.

Mark

 

They are not sealed in the exactly same way, due to the various engine constructions.

--------

Extract of the rules:

After consultation with the relevant engine supplier the FIA will attach seals to each engine in order to
ensure that no significant moving parts can be rebuilt or replaced.

Following the first of the two Events, and within two hours of the end of the post race parc fermé,
further seals will be applied in order to ensure that the engine cannot be run until the second Event.
These seals will be removed at 09.00 on the day of initial scrutineering at the second Event.

From here:
http://www.fia.com/resources/documents/548514743__2006_F1_SPORTING_REGULATIONS.pdf

 

I heard Bernie personally seals every engine with a kiss.

 

I thought you were and F1 fan?

You disappoint me greatly Andreas, no more sleeping under your front steps!

Anyway... They use Glad Press'N Seal wrap,

From their website;

"""We know you work hard to make delicious engines for your team. And we believe your leftovers should be delicious, too. GLAD products are made to keep your engines fresher and your drivers happily fed.

GLAD Plastic Wraps, Food Bags and Containers seal securely to keep air out and messes in, so you can not only give your team the fresh engines they deserve but more of your time as well.

Get help storing it right. GET GLAD.™

http://www.glad.com/get_it_stored.php"""




And you call yourself a fan... LIAR!

 

I'll check the website and see if I can find his or just a general email address to forward the question to.

Mark

Edit: I found a general email for viewers to send in questions and specified the email was for Matchett. I aslo asked for a shout out for the site....we'll see what I hear back.

 

Wouldn't it be SMatchett at speedtv dot com?

 

Actually the FIA uses Reynolds Wrap to seal the engines in the interest of cost cutting. Ferrari are known to throw in a little garlic and pesto. By the end of the race, yum!

 

What about when they are testing in between races?

 

They are allowed to remove the engine and replace it. As long as that engine is used again for the next race meeting.

Also I imagine that most teams use a completely different chassis for testing.
Pete

 

LOL! I would think that the garlic would do well enough to keep the appropriate element away from the engines!

 

No, that would show a bias towards one team in particular.

I sure do remember 'Reynolds' being on the side wing of a certain team's Can-Am cars, 36-37-38 years ago..... LOL

 

It may well be, but I would bet not. The website explicitly says they don't give out emails of their on-air personalities so I'm guessing it's something that wouldn't be easily guessed. Plus many companies don't use the standard first initial plus last name so it could be anything.

Mark

 

A lot of companies do use the first initial and last name. Also I thought they gave their address out during each race for feedback?