FEBRUARY 24, 2017 Mercedes closer and closer to 1000hp Mercedes is inching ever "closer" to the milestone mark of 1000 horse power with its field-leading V6 power unit. That is the admission of engine boss Aldo Costa, amid reports that while Ferrari, Renault and even Honda are now closing up on Mercedes, the German marque has also made a significant step for 2017. One year ago, F1 blogger Joe Saward scoffed at reports Mercedes had inched tantalisingly close to 1000hp in the new 'power unit' era, calling it "Fabulous sh***!" But Andy Cowell is quoted by the Spanish daily Marca: "We are getting closer and closer (to 1000hp) with every evolution, but we're not going to say exactly where we are. "There are several improvements in reliability as well that will allow us to push harder than before and for a longer time," he added.
It will be Lewis' amazing skill that makes Mercedes win! https://motorsport.com/f1/news/mercedes-gets-boost-from-new-petronas-fuel-877309/
MARCH 2, 2017 FIA to check for illegal suspension in Barcelona The FIA is poised to start checking the legality of controversial suspension systems fitted to some 2017 cars. Earlier, as Ferrari in particular presses a case against the legality of Mercedes and Red Bull-like active suspension-mimicking concepts, it emerged that F1's governing body had issued a new rules clarification. But Auto Motor und Sport reports that teams will be invited to actually demonstrate the legality of their layouts to the FIA on the final day of the first Barcelona test on Thursday. "The clarification is a basis for the stewards in disputes," an FIA source is quoted as saying. "Whether a suspension is in conflict with that clarification will then be (decided) on a case by case basis." It is rumoured that at least one team - apparently Red Bull - has already been asked to change its design. "Everyone can use what they want," said FIA race director Charlie Whiting. "But it would be foolish to test something which cannot be used in Melbourne." Until now, Mercedes and Red Bull have been saying that the FIA is happy with their intended designs. But Whiting explained: "The teams asked us if we are satisfied with the function of certain components and we answered yes or no. Now they have to prove it to us."
Honda admits mechanical issue a "worry" for F1 season start: March 3, 2017 https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/honda-admits-mechanical-issue-a-worry-for-f1-season-start-879232/ Hasegawa will evidently perform the samurai disgrace of seppuku (joking) or get shot by the Third Reich firing squad (per that ROTF video)
Eric Boullier is still has faith in Honda. MARCH 2, 2017 McLaren-Honda denies wild F1 split rumours McLaren and Honda have both denied wild rumours their troubled works collaboration in F1 could be set to end. Although the partnership is entering its third year, the opening of 2017 testing has been notably troubled as Honda fumbles with its brand new 'power unit' design. After an oil tank design flaw was discovered on day one, Stoffel Vandoorne's engine was returned to Japan following a problem on day two, and Fernando Alonso had to run with 'de-rated' settings on day three. "I can only apologise to the drivers," said Honda's F1 chief Yusuke Hasegawa. Team boss Eric Boullier, meanwhile, put a brave face on the situation, declaring that "Like any marriage, there are ups and downs". But the perpetual 'downs' triggered a rumour in the Barcelona paddock on Wednesday that McLaren has commenced talks with Renault about a potential replacement engine supply. "We are supposed to ditch Honda?" Boullier responded. "No. There is no plan at all." Hasegawa, whose employer is also a significant McLaren sponsor, was asked the same question and added: "Of course not. "I do not hide that we have difficulties, but such situations are what testing is for." The Japanese insisted that the relationship with McLaren remains positive. "Our relationship is better all the time. I cannot compare it to 2015, because I was not there, but we are a team and we behave as such." As for the engine problems, he said: "We would like to introduce the latest version of the engine and test it as soon as possible. "So next week we will have another engine and it will have changes."
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/revealed-new-f1-start-rules-will-be-a-lot-harder-for-drivers-880670/?s=1 New start rules this season
Ferrari Loophole exposed & how they did it: pub. March 8, 2017 https://thejudge13.com/2017/03/08/ferrari-loophole-exposed-how-they-did-it/
FERRARI LOOPHOLE EXPOSED & HOW THEY DID IT The odd side pods of Ferrari’s SF70H have been the eye catcher of many engineers in the paddock. Up until now none of them had a clue why they were shaped that way. Even the mighty Adrian Newey couldn’t explain them. It has been quite a while since we got a radical Ferrari in Formula One. But boy oh boy, this year they gave us one! Of course the new rules gave us more than one thing to speculate about, but none of them quite as exciting as those side pods and the air stream guide elements incorporated within. When we first saw the car from the front, the air inlets of the side pods hinted at something different. The carbon guiding plates in front of it only made them stranger. he first pictures of the car didn’t even reveal that there were multiple elements. Ferrari’s promo pictures made it look as if the side pod was molded as one piece. Since last weeks tests, we got improved pictures revealing more than what met the eye the first time round. The pictures included in this article show us that the carbon part we thought were side pods, actually aren’t. It is an actually structure made to regulate the airflow towards the real side pod. As you can see, the actual side pod is approximately 30 cm behind the carbon flap. What the front view did show us, was that the side pod entrance was rather unusual located high up. Of course, by now Ferrari’s rivals have figured out just what Ferrari’s design team wanted to do. Under the watching eye of Simone Resta the Italian team found a loophole in the regulations. Personally, this is why I love F1. Loopholes mean somewhere someone was smarter than the one who came up with the rule. The new regulations for 2017 promised us more aggressive looking cars than the year before. To that effect, the FIA incorporated rules about the V shape of the front wing, the way the end plates of the rear wing should “flow”, and under what angle the side pods should be. Paragraph 3.8.8 says that that angle should be 75 degrees. These rules are meant to give the cars a fast, aggressive look when viewed from above. These rules are for aesthetics rather than ideal performance regulation. As a matter of fact, aerodynamic engineers hate these rules. If it was up to them they had gone for a rectangular design for the side pod. A side pod with a 90 degree angle would have a smoother air flow relationship between it and the various air splitters ahead. Further, the general airflow performance around them would be optimised wholesale. This is where the loophole is exploited. With the birds eye view, it’s clear to see how Ferrari made its actual side pod under a 90 degree angle. The carbon work in front (but still incorporated) of the side pod is set under a 75 degree angle, thus following the rules. This enables Ferrari to make their side pod smaller than they appear on other cars. And it gives them more room between the barge boards and the actual air intake of the side pod. All this should be able to generate a better airflow towards them. The more we see of the Ferrari SF70H, the more we may begin to understand this is a truly remarkable piece of engineering and certainly looks set to be a true front runner this year. source: https://thejudge13.com/2017/03/09/ferrari-loophole-exposed-how-they-did-it/
Thanks for the story. I hope that pods will work well. Lewis has hinted that the Ferrari's will be fast.
MARCH 9, 2017 GP2 set to become Formula 2 GP2 looks set to be rebranded as 'Formula 2'. Ross Brawn, F1's sporting chief on behalf of new owner Liberty Media, told Sport Bild: "The ultimate goal is putting formula one, F2 and F3 all together" in the way that the MotoGP categories are layered. And that plan appears to be also backed by F1's governing body. In fact, it is believed an announcement of GP2's rebranding is imminent. FIA president Jean Todt told the Paris federation's own Auto magazine: "Rationalising the pathway to formula one has been a major goal of the FIA in my time here and the designation of a new F2 would achieve that goal."
It doesn't matter what the series is called. The biggest drawback of GP2, in my view, is that it's under the umbrella of F1, and is operated mostly on European tracks. It's considered as a "feeder series", and not recognised as an independent organisation: it was created by Bernie to fill the gaps at GP weekends and belonged to FOM (probably Liberty now). The old F2 used to have its own venues, its own independence. Some F1 drivers even raced F2 during the season, something that doesn't exist now. It would be good if Formula 2 was to recover its independence and was able to hold a meaningful championship, instead of being in the shadow of F1.
Check this out, the cars have been photoshopped without shark fins. The cars look great without them. https://wtf1.com/post/see-2017-f1-cars-look-like-without-shark-fins/
MARCH 14, 2017 F1 looks to ban extra wings says Surer F1 looks set to ban the 'shark fin' appendages that will fill the Melbourne grid next weekend. The fins, extending from the rear of the engine cover, "calm the air in front of the rear wing", explained former F1 driver turned pundit Marc Surer. The so-called 'shark fins' first emerged several years ago but were banned apparently for aesthetic reasons, before being re-allowed for the brand new 2017 regulations. "Mercedes and some others have even built a second wing in front of the rear wing, but it's terribly ugly and should be banned," Surer told German broadcaster Sky. "Luckily (F1 sporting boss) Ross Brawn seems to agree," he added.
But of course it wont happen this year. In a lot a ways the teams are just as bad when it comes to the cars and PUs. They couldnt agree to ban the wings. Go figure.
Nice review of the top 3 teams designs for the year here - F1 technical focus: How Mercedes, Red Bull, Ferrari compare in 2017 - F1 - Autosport
MARCH 17, 2017 Brawn to create new F1 overtaking group F1 will look into producing rules that encourage more overtaking without resorting to artificial measures like DRS. That is the claim of the sport's new sporting boss Ross Brawn, who is one of the new chiefs in the post-Bernie Ecclestone era. Brawn told the French magazine Auto Hebdo he supports the much faster cars that have arrived for 2017, but fears the improved downforce will mean overtaking is more difficult than before. "If it turns out that is the case, then that will motivate the search for solutions," said the Briton. "It's a difficult problem, because we want to have cars that are quick but that can follow their opponents on the track. "Is there a solution? Yes, but we need to put together the right people and give them a year and a half to find the answer," added Brawn. Brawn acknowledged that overtaking working groups have made progress in the past, but he said those people lacked "the profound knowledge and opportunities that the teams have today". "Previously, we did experiments in wind tunnels but it was a compromise because it didn't include the use of two cars. Now, CFD opens up new opportunities. "We need to create a car with a high level of aerodynamic grip that does not leave very strong turbulence behind. Many will say it is impossible, but I am convinced of the opposite," he said. Brawn said the new group will be organised directly by Formula One Management, with any potential rule changes answering three questions. "One, how will the fans perceive it? Two, what will it cost? And three, do we know how it will affect the racing?" added the former Ferrari and Honda chief.
Mercedes adopts new clutch paddle to help drivers with F1 starts - F1 - Autosport The Mercedes concept consists of two long holes that the drivers will slot their fingers in to for the starts. This solution opens the way for a much larger clutch paddle, which should in theory allow for a better feel of the clutch bite point. The hope is that this will manifest itself in better getaways for the drivers.
I'm not quite sure I understand how contouring the paddle to finger-shape somehow "opens the way for a much larger clutch paddle". I can understand it gives a different (perhaps enhanced) feel - but why does it allow the paddle to be larger?
The problem of overtaking is still the bugbear of F1, it seems. With enhanced aero in 2017, I suspected that, and I was sort of surprised why the rule-makers had gone the way they have. The latest car are very efficient, but make overtaking even more hazardous than in the past, and I expect there will be less passes in future. How that will fit with Liberty's intention to make racing more interesting?
