[xbook]

Originally Posted by pioneercrazed

Great race today!

Did anyone see the feature they did on the qualy show (SkyF1) about the Merc engine? Separating the hot side and cold side of the turbo... Brilliant!!!

Hang on, you're saying they McDLT'd the engine? :P

[Timujin]

Originally Posted by xbook

Hang on, you're saying they McDLT'd the engine? :P

Hell yeah that's right McDLT




Anyone notice the random flashing rear safety lights during the race?

I think Hobbs laughed when Vets DRS failed.

[Chihuahua]

Originally Posted by Timujin

Anyone notice the random flashing rear safety lights during the race?

I did. Any idea why they were going off at random times during the race?

[mike the snake]

I noticed them too.

I thought maybe they were blinking when the cars were braking, but couldn't tell for sure.

[Lucky_Strike]

Originally Posted by mike the snake

I noticed them too.

I thought maybe they were blinking when the cars were braking, but couldn't tell for sure.

2014 Formula 1 Sporting Regulations:

Lift and coast:

"If the torque management system on the car decides to go into a fuel-save mode, the rear light will flash for a second to warn any driver behind. The thresholds are configurable but currently set for a car above 95 per cent throttle for more than a second, travelling faster than 180 km/h, that experiences a torque reduction of 120 kW or more.
The warning system has been created because these events are controlled by the electronics rather than by the driver. If the driver decides to back off early then the situation is as it always has been. He has a responsibility to ensure another car is not close behind him. It’s as simple as that. One would normally expect the driver to check that it’s OK to back off. The warning light is there for situations not controlled by the driver."

[954Stealth]

Aha! Makes sense. Thanks, Lucky

[Timujin]

Originally Posted by Lucky_Strike

2014 Formula 1 Sporting Regulations:

Lift and coast:

"If the torque management system on the car decides to go into a fuel-save mode, the rear light will flash for a second to warn any driver behind. The thresholds are configurable but currently set for a car above 95 per cent throttle for more than a second, travelling faster than 180 km/h, that experiences a torque reduction of 120 kW or more.
The warning system has been created because these events are controlled by the electronics rather than by the driver. If the driver decides to back off early then the situation is as it always has been. He has a responsibility to ensure another car is not close behind him. It’s as simple as that. One would normally expect the driver to check that it’s OK to back off. The warning light is there for situations not controlled by the driver."

^Thanks I half ass goggled it.

This type of system is needed for the i3 because when you lift off the throttle the car stops. It could catch someone off guard big time.

BTW I watched the race for the 3rd time today. Tough act to follow sucks we have to wait 2 weeks.

[ashtaron14]

In cased you missed it, here's Martin Brundle explaining the Mercedes Power Unit

[solstice]

I would assume all teams using the Benz power unit has the same design with separated turbine and compressor?

[SenorFunkyPants]

Only the Mercedes cars have the separates.

[solstice]

Originally Posted by SenorFunkyPants

Only the Mercedes cars have the separates.

Results definitely support that notion. Do you happen to have a source where I can read about the known differences between the engine Mercedes uses and the one they supply to other teams?

[SenorFunkyPants]

From one of the BBC pre F1 programs I understood that only the factory Merc cars had the separated turbo but according to this article I mis-spoke:
http://www1.skysports.com/f1/news/12...-them-the-edge
Sorry to have misled.

[solstice]

Originally Posted by SenorFunkyPants

From one of the BBC pre F1 programs I understood that only the factory Merc cars had the separated turbo but according to this article I mis-spoke:
http://www1.skysports.com/f1/news/12...-them-the-edge
Sorry to have misled.

Thanks. So Mercedes domination is more about having more time and resources to understand how to build the rest of the car to best take advantage of the engine than the engine itself. I.e there is still hope for all Benz powered cars. It looks like it's going to be an exceedingly tough year for Renault and Ferrari powered teams though... Just look at Lotus, what a mess and free fall from last year.

[E90SLAM]

Originally Posted by solstice

Thanks. So Mercedes domination is more about having more time and resources to understand how to build the rest of the car to best take advantage of the engine than the engine itself. I.e there is still hope for all Benz powered cars. It looks like it's going to be an exceedingly tough year for Renault and Ferrari powered teams though... Just look at Lotus, what a mess and free fall from last year.

I recall current Engine (power unit) "freeze" homologation deadline was February 28. Was that deadline being extended by the FIA?
Otherwise, the only changes in design allowed will be on safety grounds. And Mercedes might have an unique design edge in coming years.

Also are the homologation restriction only on engine itself, or the entire power unit system design?

The other wild card coming next year will be Honda. They might learn a thing or two this season from Mercedes?

[954Stealth]

Originally Posted by E90SLAM

I recall current Engine (power unit) "freeze" homologation deadline was February 28. Was that deadline being extended by the FIA?
Otherwise, the only changes in design allowed will be on safety grounds. And Mercedes might have an unique design edge in coming years.

Also are the homologation restriction only on engine itself, or the entire power unit system design?

The other wild card coming next year will be Honda. They might learn a thing or two this season from Mercedes?

Very good point, Slam! I think Honda is taking a LOT of notes right now
So what this perceived advantage means for Mercedes beyond 2014 is quite unclear

[solstice]

Originally Posted by E90SLAM

I recall current Engine (power unit) "freeze" homologation deadline was February 28. Was that deadline being extended by the FIA?
Otherwise, the only changes in design allowed will be on safety grounds. And Mercedes might have an unique design edge in coming years.

Also are the homologation restriction only on engine itself, or the entire power unit system design?

The other wild card coming next year will be Honda. They might learn a thing or two this season from Mercedes?

I would guess it's the whole power unit that is "frozen". So the Benz powered cars should be on equal ground from that point of view. I.e there is no restrictions ( other than test time ) preventing the other Benz powered cars to catch up. At least I hope that is the case

You can be pretty sure McLaren is not going to accept a Honda engine with less power than what they currently have with Benz. Honda has very, very deep pockets and a proud and successful F1 history. I can not see them enter F1 with an inferior engine. Be sure they will spend what it takes if the engine they've already previewed is down on power.

[hellrotm]

McLaren and Honda partnership have a lot to live up to.

[SenorFunkyPants]

The turbo era cars were certainly quite a handful.
The BMW turbo F1 car was reputed to produce well over a 1000bhp (some suggest 1400bhp!) in qualifying trim with the boost turned up and using some really quite toxic fuel blends.

[gary88]

Somewhat questionable source but wow if it's actually true:

http://www.minardi.it/international/...-in-formula-1/

[E90SLAM]

Originally Posted by gary88

Somewhat questionable source but wow if it's actually true:

http://www.minardi.it/international/...-in-formula-1/

Well, never say never.
Honda will be back after some bad years with the V8 era.
Cosworth were back for a few years, but in a bad timing of already matured engine design.

Would be nice to see some manufacturers making their comeback again with the new regulation. Like Tag-Porsche (or VW Group-Audi now), BMW, Toyota, Peugeot, etc.

[solstice]

I'm sure all the ravings about Benz power unit in the pinnacle of world wide motorsport is eating at BMW... That said the i8 is likely a more profitable way of show casing know how in this area. Not sure which has the biggest impact on people considering these type of cars, F1 gets more TV and news coverage for sure.

It has definately raised my interrest in a Benz down the line when hybrids are all we get.

[E90SLAM]

Originally Posted by solstice

I'm sure all the ravings about Benz power unit in the pinnacle of world wide motorsport is eating at BMW... That said the i8 is likely a more profitable way of show casing know how in this area. Not sure which has the biggest impact on people considering these type of cars, F1 gets more TV and news coverage for sure.

It has definately raised my interrest in a Benz down the line when hybrids are all we get.

I'd love to see the future where Mercedes will create a "hybrid-supercar" like P1, 918 and LaFerrari league.
Where the F1 technology will be see being used in "everyday roadcar". Of course, when the "power unit" technology matures and becomes "reliable-bulletproof", it might be our future vehicles replacing combustion engines.

That's what the FIA hope to see when they insist 2014 new engine regulation.