Ground effect, turbos set for F1 return - For Real?

[theforce]

Ground effect, turbos set for F1 return

By Jonathan Noble

Formula 1 teams are closing in on finalising all-new regulations for 2013 that will likely see a return of ground effect cars and turbo engines - as the sport witnessed in the early 1980's.

Several think-tank Working Groups have been set up to get consensus on moves to improve the spectacle of F1 and ensure it becomes more environmentally friendly.

On the engine side, draft regulations were circulated among teams a few weeks ago and the latest plan is for 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbo engines to become standard.

The power units will be bolstered by numerous energy recovery systems, and should produce around 650bhp. Plans are also being considered to limit engines to just five per driver per season.

In a bid to further increase F1's green credentials, teams are also keen for there to be a fuel flow rate limit - which will ensure the engines are economical.

Williams technical director Sam Michael said: "Rather than dump as much fuel in as we can at the moment, there will be a fuel flow metre - so you won't be able to blow more than a certain amount of fuel. It is a good chunk less than we had at the moment."

On the chassis front, Williams co-owner Patrick Head and former Ferrari designer Rory Byrne are working with the FIA to head up concepts for new car rules.

Teams are keen for the cars to be better for overtaking than the current generation of machines - with ground effect being actively considered.

"They are talking about putting a greater proportion of down force to the diffuser, a ground effect car - like the early 1980's," added Michael. "They have been looking at that, as well as increasing crash protection at the front of the car by moving the sidepods further forwards."

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/86341


If this is to happen, I still hope we keep the same Ferrari drivers!

[ek583]

So 1.6 litres, 4 cylinders, only 650bhp, just 5 engines per driver to last the whole season... and you seem pretty excited about it?

Given that, only a few years back, we had those monstrous 3 litre V10s, chucking out close to a 1000bhp, revving all the way up to 22,000rpm, and no limit on number of engines. I know which I prefer!

[Greig]

Sounds terrible to me...

[RedRebel40]

650 bhp is too low, I am used to 900+ with the V10's :(

[theforce]

I wouldn't say excited but looking forward to it. I would love to see the V10's back but we know that's not gonna happen because Al Gore said they would cause Antarctica to melt and drown the whole Earth. Racing will be leaning more towards eco friendly solutions in the future and this seems like a start. Who knows, lap times might be close to current F1 cars. I wonder when they'll introduce diesel in F1, kidding

[Hornet]

Ground effect seems like a clear solution to the overtaking problem, since it doesn't rely on having clean air flowing through the front wing, although I'm not sure if technology will allow a safer implementation today

But everytime I hear someone talk about limiting the number of engine, I feel like grabbing that person's throat and punch him all the way back to the stone age. For crying out loud, why not make the drivers peddle the car instead.

1.6 litter 4 cylinder, are they mentally handicapped?

[mad_ani]

going back to flintsones

[NJB13]

Geeze, they might even be able to keep up with GP2's

[Ken]

If the engines are reduced to 1.6 litres. That for me is the end of F1.

F1 used to be noted for being the fastest most highly advanced technical form of racing.

Take the wheel arches and body bits around the wheels off the boy racers cars and and insta F1.

Maybe I could do that to my wife's Clio and convince Ernie I could be a privateer racer.

That rule if it comes to pass is the END of F1, and motor sport loses it's jewel in the crown.

Can they really let Indy cars become the ultimate racing machines ??

[ek583]

Why not just stop the actual racing itself and do all of it on simulators?! I mean, all the big teams have got very high end simulators, just use those for some form of virtual racing! That will save a hell of a lot of money!!!

I think the golden era of Formula 1 ended with the V10 days. We are now going to go continuously downhill. And Le Mans is now all about the diesels, so can't even properly enjoy that anymore!!!

[Rob]

Sounds terrible to me...

+1 mate.1.6 litre NO NO NO That isnt great, alot of road cars will be more powerfull than them. F1 should be about v10's or even stay with the v8's. Next yeat BTCC cars will have 1.6 turbo engines and WTCC i think that is still planned. F1 is the pinnacle of motorsport, bring back ground effect but keep v8's (as v10' will n ever make a return ) they should be the most powerfull, not just bit more power than GP2. (no idea what GP2 BHP kicks out)

[Rob]

F1 should be a driving challenge for the drivers.

[Salvador Dali]

Well I for one don't mind 1.6 L Turbo engine, I just don't like the 650 HP thing, as I can't see KERS or some other "green" thing giving 200+ HP.

Don't forget that to this day the record (as far as I know not confirmed) is the BMW 1.5 L Turbo that gave in Q trim about 1500 HP!! That is 1 HP / 1 ccm...

F1 should just be the fastest form of motosport and now the most green series in the world. People loved V12, hated V10's, then loved V10's and hated V8's...

nuff said...

[neermsc]

damn!!....the FIA will be racing hybrids in a few days....we need pure racing cars which are at the peak of technological brilliance......that means 3.0l --V12's with turbo's and 1500hp.......hope my dream turns into reality.....emission regulations should only be applied to road cars.....thank you FIA.:p

[SilverSpeed]

going back to flintsones

Sad but true

[Jack]

why not make the drivers peddle the car instead.

Why not just stop the actual racing itself and do all of it on simulators?!

Please don't give them ideas.

[REDARMYSOJA]

On the engine side, draft regulations were circulated among teams a few weeks ago and the latest plan is for 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbo engines to become standard.

I didn't know you could turbo charge a lawn mower engine.

[Brakefade]

The cars now are making 700 HP in qualy trim. Going down to 650 HP is not that big of a loss, plus turbos offer more torque than naturally aspirated engines. Which means cars will accelerate out of the corners even quicker. The 5 engines per season proposal is the only thing that gives me concern. If they allow the teams to change out certain high wear components, then it won't be so bad. The ground effects proposal is awesome though. That will make passing a easy compared to what it is now.

[Raz]

this is pathetic.. CARBON DIOXIDE IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR GLOBAL WARMING!
IT THE BIG FAT YELLOW THING IN THE SKY KNOWN AS THE SUN!!!

because of "Global Warming" the Fun seems to be ebbing away out of F1

[hogo]

I wonder what are these surveys for, they don't listen to F1 fans anyways.

[ales]

I didn't know you could turbo charge a lawn mower engine.

Well, first of all, you can turbocharge a lawnmower engine.

Secondly, as was mentioned before, back in the 80-s BMW was able to extract up to 1500 from their inline four 1.5l turbo engines in qualifying trim, so the engine capacity of 1.6 in itself is not a bad thing at all. The unfortunate part is that it would appear they want to cap the turbo pressure and the quantity of the fuel in order to limit the power to the rather ridiculous 650hp

[RedRebel40]

GP2 cars and Le Mans cars also have that ammount of power

[RedRebel40]

Well, first of all, you can turbocharge a lawnmower engine.

Secondly, as was mentioned before, back in the 80-s BMW was able to extract up to 1500 from their inline four 1.5l turbo engines in qualifying trim, so the engine capacity of 1.6 in itself is not a bad thing at all. The unfortunate part is that it would appear they want to cap the turbo pressure and the quantity of the fuel in order to limit the power to the rather ridiculous 650hp

[FerrariF60]

does ferrari even have a four banger engine??? or we'd have to design/built one from scratch??

[Tifoso]

this is pathetic.. CARBON DIOXIDE IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR GLOBAL WARMING!
IT THE BIG FAT YELLOW THING IN THE SKY KNOWN AS THE SUN!!!

because of "Global Warming" the Fun seems to be ebbing away out of F1

[xpman]

WHY WHY WHY all the Doon and Gloom people .
Am a happy chappy if all this true and happens. 1st) slicks come back 2nd) no refueling 3rd) if all what is said is true Turbos and ground effect skirts are back 4th) In my dreams I know tracks will have less chicanes and am personaly hpoing they remove the one at end of tunnel at Monaco be like good old days.)
Remember the cars of the 80s my all time fav Ferrari 126c turbo and the Beautifull REAL !!! LOTUS with the JPS colours (lotus 91).
Am hoping if all true they will this time allow twin chassis if only allowed back then for the Master and Lord to develope it (LOTUS 88) realy have never forgiven Ferrari and Renault for getting it banned.

Oh if this all happens then all Ferrari need to do is 2 things Upgrade the Ferrari 126c and Make an EXTREME effort to Employ the Service of 1 Gordan Murray as he is THE BEST in the Business now that sadly Colin CHAPMAN is no longer with us.
BRING BACK THE 80s !!!!!

[Rob]

this is pathetic.. CARBON DIOXIDE IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR GLOBAL WARMING!
IT THE BIG FAT YELLOW THING IN THE SKY KNOWN AS THE SUN!!!

because of "Global Warming" the Fun seems to be ebbing away out of F1

+1.
But the eco-heads find it easier to blame carbon dioxide.

[RedRebel40]

I don't care about smaller engines with turbo or ground effect cars. but F1 cars should have more HP then 650. 650 is too low they should aim at 900+.

[laznlSpeedDemon]

If it's such a problem, why not just have power be regulated just by the amount of CO2 that comes out? If you set up a set amount of CO2 that can come out of any one vehicle and amount of gas each vehicle gets, but allow engine size to be disputed by companies, that may be more interesting than set sized engines. If too much exhaust comes out to be higher than amount allowed, DQ the car.

[Ferrari_ fan]

Turbo and KERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1