2015 Chinese Grand Prix - Shanghai

[From Treviso]

I hope Sauber are beginning to put some proper development into their car now that they have genuine speed - they need to take a step up and mingle with the Williams in qualy and the race. They are a team that keeps rising up from mediocrity to produce good race cars every few years that are forgiving for the drivers, good on the tyres and just outright fast!

Also, 2 weeks ago from today, most were not expecting the Ferraris to out-muscle the Mercs to produce a win, so we need to be open minded with the China race that could see a few surprises, such as the Williams fighting with us. On the other hand, we could build something wonderful from the previous race by harnessing that energy and confidence to produce even better results, whilst the Mercs are knee-jerking new parts and changes into the picture that may upset their form, balance and race-craft. Nothing like being focused when in the hunt, and there's nothing more difficult than being at the front and trying to improve what cannot be improved.

[Tony]

Did Kimi really say that?

[Sriharsha]

PU status After the Malaysian Grand Prix

[fratelliferrari]

Anyone has a link for the press conference?

[samboozik]

Anyone has a link for the press conference?

Here you go:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ilHuN4Swqvo

[fratelliferrari]

Here you go:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ilHuN4Swqvo

Thank you

[zike]

Do we have upgrades for this GP?

[wisepie]

I'd also like to see Sauber give a better show than they did in Malaysia, as long as Nasr doesn't keep getting in Kimi's way. It would confirm that our engine is showing its true potential and fluster the Merc-powered teams even more.

[F1NAC]

Do we have upgrades for this GP?

Just small wings adjustments for this type of circuit.

[Ojie1214]

Ted is for Ferrari
David is for Mercedes

[F1 Dream Team]

http://www.gptoday.com/full_story/vi...rrari_Mercedes

FIA puts fuel flow spotlight on Ferrari, Mercedes
Ferrari and Mercedes will be in the FIA’s spotlight this weekend in China.

Some weeks ago, we reported that the governing body had told teams that the fuel flow rules would come under closer scrutiny from the Chinese grand prix.

Until now, the rules have been policed with the use of a standard fuel flow meter, but the FIA reportedly now wants to check pressure in other parts of the fuel system.

The Paris federation reportedly suspects that some teams and manufacturers are finding their way around the 100kg/h rule by increasing fuel flow in areas other than the actual meter.

The spotlight is shining most brightly on Mercedes and Ferrari, given the obvious step both engine manufacturers have made in 2015.

Spain’s Marca sports daily reports: “From Thursday in Shanghai, the FIA will use a new set of sensors to measure the fuel system in more detail.”

Another Spanish newspaper, El Confidencial, added: “If anyone has managed to exploit a loophole, then they will suffer the effects from China.” (GMM)

[F1 Dream Team]

http://www.gptoday.com/full_story/vi...tem_Explained/

The fuel system in a f1 car takes the fuel from the fuel tank and delivers it to the engine where it is sprayed on by highly advanced fuel injection systems, the fuel-air mixture is then ignited to generate power.

So, let’s take a look into the components of a f1 fuel system.

The Fuel system comprises of :

Fuel Tank
Lift Pumps
Fuel Filter
Mechanical Fuel Pump
Fuel Injectors
Fuel Tank

It is basically the storage tank for the fuel. In a f1 car it is situated behind the driver and is leak proof made up of puncture proof Kevlar. The tank also houses a gauge sensor which sends the information regarding fuel levels to the driver and to the pit wall.

All the fuel lines leading from the fuel tank are auto-cut off lines, so in event of any breakage fuel won’t be spilled thus preventing fire. There’s been no major fuel tank fire at an F1 race since Berger Imola crash in 1989 and no fire related deaths since Riccardo Paletti in Canada in 1982, or in testing with Elio De Angelis in 1986.

Fuel Lift Pumps:

These are electrically operated pumps situated inside the fuel tank . As the f1 cars are subjected to huge g-forces, the fuel inside the tank keeps moving which makes it difficult for the conventional fuel systems to extract fuel from the tank, this is where the electrical lift pumps come in.

The lift pumps are situated inside the fuel tank and there main job is to recover fuel from the fuel tank and deliver it to another vessel within the fuel tank which is connected to the main mechanically operated fuel pump

Fuel Filter:

The fuel filter is present at the entry of electrically operated lift pumps and it basically prevents impurities which may be present in the fuel from damaging the pumps.

Mechanical Fuel Pump:

This pump is mechanically operated by the motion of the engine.It collects the pressurised fuel stored in the vessel by the electrical lift pumps and delivers it under high pressure to the fuel injectors.

Fuel Injectors:

The fuel injector is basically a tiny electric valve which opens and closes with an electric signal. A computer (Standard Electronic Control Unit: SECU) controls when the fuel injectors open to let fuel into the engine. The SECU intelligently determines the time at which the electrical valve has to be opened which would allow for optimum mixing of fuel-air mixture.

Here’s a flow diagram to explain how the fuel is actually transported to the engine:

Fuel stored in the fuel tank.

animated_down_arrow_blue

Fuel then passes through a filter.

animated_down_arrow_blue
Electrical lift pumps then take the fuel from the tank and store it in a smaller vessel know as the collector under high pressure.
animated_down_arrow_blue
The fuel is then taken up by the mechanically operated pumps from the collector and delivered under high pressure to the fuel injection system
animated_down_arrow_blue
The fuel injection system then controls the release of fuel into the engine via SECU (Standard electronic control unit) which allows for optimum fuel-air mixture to ignite producing torque.

Fuel Flow Meter:

In 2014, new regulations were introduced regarding the fuel consumption and under these new regulations, no more than 100kg of fuel can be used from start to finish and the fuel flow limit per hour to the engine has been limited to 100kg/hr.

2015 F1 Fuel Flow Meter

This is where fuel flow meters come in, these devices basically measure the rate of fuel delivery to the engine. In theory greater the fuel delivery greater will be the power generated by the engine, so under the new regulations it is required by all teams to have flow meters installed which allow FIA to monitor the amount of fuel going into the engine per hour.

These sensors are situated in the fuel tank area and the pumps in the fuel tank pump the fuel via these sensors to the high-pressure direct injection system, thus allowing it to measure the flow.

Each car on the grid currently has a fuel flow sensor manufactured by a company called Gill Sensors. These sensors are based on ultrasonic technology and according to the company here’s how they work:

“Using the time of flight technology principle, the meter measures the velocity of the fuel using ultrasonic pulses. The flow rate is calculated using the time it takes ultrasonic pulses to pass from one end of the sensor to another. As the meter is designed with no moving parts, it does not restrict or interfere with the flow of fuel passing through it. With measurement update rates up to 1kHz, the meter provides an immediate response to flow rate variations, measuring bi-directional fuel flow up to 8000ml/min, significantly larger that the 100kg/h Motorsport restriction.”

New FIA Technical directive to measure fuel pressure:

The FIA has issued a new technical directive regarding the fuel flow sensors, as according to reports the FIA suspects that certain teams may have developed systems which allow them to inject fuel into the engine at a higher pressure while maintaining flow through the fuel flow meter to 100kg/hr.

This means that the engine may be getting more fuel than the normal limit of 100kg/hr by some clever modifications made by the team downstream to the fuel flow meter.

It has also been reported that Mercedes and Ferrari have upgraded their turbo units to withstand 500 bar of fuel pressure while Renault turbo units can only withstand 250 bar of fuel pressure.

So, the FIA has now instructed teams to install fuel flow meters at multiple points of the fuel system, so that it can get pressure readings from multiple points between the tank and the injection system.

Hope, you have enjoyed regarding the article. If you have any questions feel free to ask in the comments below.
(Nishant Raj)

[F1 Dream Team]

Transcript of the Thursday Press Conference organised by the FIA for the 2015 Chinese Grand Prix

http://www.gptoday.com/full_story/vi...15_Chinese_GP/

[zike]

http://www.gptoday.com/full_story/vi...rrari_Mercedes

FIA puts fuel flow spotlight on Ferrari, Mercedes
Ferrari and Mercedes will be in the FIA’s spotlight this weekend in China.

Some weeks ago, we reported that the governing body had told teams that the fuel flow rules would come under closer scrutiny from the Chinese grand prix.

Until now, the rules have been policed with the use of a standard fuel flow meter, but the FIA reportedly now wants to check pressure in other parts of the fuel system.

The Paris federation reportedly suspects that some teams and manufacturers are finding their way around the 100kg/h rule by increasing fuel flow in areas other than the actual meter.

The spotlight is shining most brightly on Mercedes and Ferrari, given the obvious step both engine manufacturers have made in 2015.

Spain’s Marca sports daily reports: “From Thursday in Shanghai, the FIA will use a new set of sensors to measure the fuel system in more detail.”

Another Spanish newspaper, El Confidencial, added: “If anyone has managed to exploit a loophole, then they will suffer the effects from China.” (GMM)

dont like this

[F1 Dream Team]

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/118415

Kimi Raikkonen sees no reason why his Ferrari Formula 1 team cannot continue to threaten Mercedes at the Chinese Grand Prix.

After Sebastian Vettel's shock Malaysian GP win, there has been more scepticism about Ferrari's chances at Shanghai because of the cooler conditions.

ANALYSIS: Ferrari's chances in China

But Raikkonen is not so downbeat, and reckons that the team should have confidence that its early season promise will continue.

"We have been with the car in Jerez [testing], in Barcelona and the first two races," said the Finn.

"The car is working well in all conditions and circuits, so I don't see any reason why it should be something else here.

"It might be a bit different because it is cold, but the layout is probably closer to Barcelona than any race so far, and conditions are pretty similar.

"We will go out tomorrow, see how it is and try to work things out if we are not happy. But I don't expect any surprises."

Hamilton: Ferrari win 'blown out of proportion'

As well as Vettel's Malaysia win, Ferrari showed flashes of speed in Australia too - something Raikkonen thinks bodes well for its prospects this time out.

"I said after Australia that if we would have been behind them in the race then I don't see that they would pull away, at least not as far as people think," he explained.

"All circuits are slightly different and all conditions are different.

"One car works a bit better in one place and then the other is better on that [particular] circuit.

"Maybe we are not where we want to be exactly right now, but if we compare where we were last year I am sure we will be more than happy.

"There is still a lot of work to do to be happy with all the things, but that is why we are here.

"We'll see how it goes but I don't expect things to change. I think Mercedes can be very fast in qualifying but in race pace conditions, it seems to be a bit closer."

[Ojie1214]

#Turrini "Clear will not work with #Ferrari until 2016"


Hope its only gossip!!

[zike]

#Turrini "Clear will not work with #Ferrari until 2016"


Hope its only gossip!!

Jock Clear? Why?

[Ojie1214]

Jock Clear? Why?

Yep, no details yet i got it in the twitter.

Turrini: "Clear won't work with #Ferrari until 2016. Allison remains technical director/responsible for track engineering activities"

[Ilsan]

Thought gardening leave can't be longer than 6 months by law in UK.

[zike]

I am starting to hate Alonso

“In five years I finished second three times and I didn’t want to finish second anymore, so I’m in the right place now,” Alonso told Sky Sports News HQ in China on Thursday.

“They tried for five years so it was difficult to keep the trust. Not only the trust, there are many other factors that [mean] McLaren-Honda are more attractive for me now.

“But in November we’ll see. If they win the championship, it’s a bad decision. If they finish second, it’s a very good decision.”

[WS6TransAm01]

I am starting to hate Alonso

“In five years I finished second three times and I didn’t want to finish second anymore, so I’m in the right place now,” Alonso told Sky Sports News HQ in China on Thursday.

“They tried for five years so it was difficult to keep the trust. Not only the trust, there are many other factors that [mean] McLaren-Honda are more attractive for me now.

“But in November we’ll see. If they win the championship, it’s a bad decision. If they finish second, it’s a very good decision.”

So finishing 9th is better than finishing 2nd? Is the pain of being runner up so great that he would rather be out of the fight all together? Sounds like that testing crash rattles his noggin a bit too much. He sounds like Ricky Bobby... "If you're not first you're last!"

Good riddance! Hopefully he stays in the race long enough w/o an engine failure for Seb and Kimi to lap him.

[Rob]

http://www.gptoday.com/full_story/vi...rrari_Mercedes

FIA puts fuel flow spotlight on Ferrari, Mercedes
Ferrari and Mercedes will be in the FIA’s spotlight this weekend in China.

Some weeks ago, we reported that the governing body had told teams that the fuel flow rules would come under closer scrutiny from the Chinese grand prix.

Until now, the rules have been policed with the use of a standard fuel flow meter, but the FIA reportedly now wants to check pressure in other parts of the fuel system.

The Paris federation reportedly suspects that some teams and manufacturers are finding their way around the 100kg/h rule by increasing fuel flow in areas other than the actual meter.

The spotlight is shining most brightly on Mercedes and Ferrari, given the obvious step both engine manufacturers have made in 2015.

Spain’s Marca sports daily reports: “From Thursday in Shanghai, the FIA will use a new set of sensors to measure the fuel system in more detail.”

Another Spanish newspaper, El Confidencial, added: “If anyone has managed to exploit a loophole, then they will suffer the effects from China.” (GMM)

wonder if RBR and Horner been pushing behind the scenes.

[Hornet]

Seems like they are assuming its Ferrari and Mercedes just because both PU had huge improvements. While they may very well be correct on who's using it, I don't think that's reason enough to make such assumption.

We've only seen 2 races anyway, the performance order isn't too clear yet.

[F1 Dream Team]

Seems like they are assuming its Ferrari and Mercedes just because both PU had huge improvements. While they may very well be correct on who's using it, I don't think that's reason enough to make such assumption.

We've only seen 2 races anyway, the performance order isn't too clear yet.

Main reason is cos It has also been reported that Mercedes and Ferrari have upgraded their turbo units to withstand 500 bar of fuel pressure while Renault turbo units can only withstand 250 bar of fuel pressure.

[zike]

wonder if RBR and Horner been pushing behind the scenes.

I am so happy when we win, I dont want to be unhappy again

[zike]

Main reason is cos It has also been reported that Mercedes and Ferrari have upgraded their turbo units to withstand 500 bar of fuel pressure while Renault turbo units can only withstand 250 bar of fuel pressure.

Noooooooo :(

[Nero Horse]

I am starting to hate Alonso

“In five years I finished second three times and I didn’t want to finish second anymore, so I’m in the right place now,” Alonso told Sky Sports News HQ in China on Thursday.

“They tried for five years so it was difficult to keep the trust. Not only the trust, there are many other factors that [mean] McLaren-Honda are more attractive for me now.

“But in November we’ll see. If they win the championship, it’s a bad decision. If they finish second, it’s a very good decision.”

Just sour grapes from Alonso. Of course he's going to say things like that to try to justify his move back to Macca. I doubt that he's really that dumb to actually believe that being in Macca right now and fighting with Manor Marussias at the back is better for him than being at Ferrari and challenging for the wins. He made a big mistake by going back to that team, he's realizing it now, and so we're probably gonna hear a lot more comments from him on why moving to Macca was "such a great decision" lol. But if he really prefers finishing 15th to finishing 2nd then I guess he is in the right team indeed.

[F1 Dream Team]

Just sour grapes from Alonso. Of course he's going to say things like that to try to justify his move back to Macca. I doubt that he's really that dumb to actually believe that being in Macca right now and fighting with Manor Marussias at the back is better for him than being at Ferrari and challenging for the wins. He made a big mistake by going back to that team, he's realizing it now, and so we're probably gonna hear a lot more comments from him on why moving to Macca was "such a great decision" lol. But if he really prefers finishing 15th to finishing 2nd then I guess he is in the right team indeed.

[shamim179]

I wonder how much this is going to hurt us this new fuel flow issue. Could it drop us behind Williams? Mercedes will still lead. Regardless it's good to see Ferrari using techniques that are borderline illegal. I'd rather see them try hard rather than always play it safe. We took some risks this year with our new PU and it has paid off. We need to take such risks if we want to win regularly.

[Nero Horse]

http://www.gptoday.com/full_story/vi...rrari_Mercedes

FIA puts fuel flow spotlight on Ferrari, Mercedes
Ferrari and Mercedes will be in the FIA’s spotlight this weekend in China.

Some weeks ago, we reported that the governing body had told teams that the fuel flow rules would come under closer scrutiny from the Chinese grand prix.

Until now, the rules have been policed with the use of a standard fuel flow meter, but the FIA reportedly now wants to check pressure in other parts of the fuel system.

The Paris federation reportedly suspects that some teams and manufacturers are finding their way around the 100kg/h rule by increasing fuel flow in areas other than the actual meter.

The spotlight is shining most brightly on Mercedes and Ferrari, given the obvious step both engine manufacturers have made in 2015.

Spain’s Marca sports daily reports: “From Thursday in Shanghai, the FIA will use a new set of sensors to measure the fuel system in more detail.”

Another Spanish newspaper, El Confidencial, added: “If anyone has managed to exploit a loophole, then they will suffer the effects from China.” (GMM)

Considering how optimistic all the guys in our team have been before the Chinese GP then I don't think this is going to affect us in any way. If there would be any fears that our performance would drop after FIA applies these new fuel flow sensors then Maurizio, Seb and Kimi wouldn't still be talking about getting more wins and closing the gap to Merc. So I very much doubt that this new rule will have any effect on our performance. It would be nice if it would have an effect on Merc's performance though.