Idman.biz
The International Automobile Federation (FIA) is working on a "black and white" solution to put a definitive and unambiguous end to the discussions surrounding controversial engine technology before the start of the Formula 1 season.
İdman.Biz, citing RacingNews, reports that according to information circulating during the winter break, some power unit manufacturers, particularly Mercedes High Performance Powertrains and Red Bull Powertrains, have developed a mechanism that allows them to operate at a level of 18:1, exceeding the 16:1 compression ratio stipulated in the technical regulations.
According to these claims, the compression ratio is measured in the pit lane (the area where the cars are serviced during the race) at ambient temperature. There is no technology to measure this indicator in real time on the track. If metals that expand with increasing temperature are used, it may be possible to actually exceed the 16:1 compression ratio limit. According to calculations, this advantage at the Albert Park track in Australia means a gain of approximately 0.3 seconds per lap, or 17.4 seconds over a 58-lap race distance.
The main topic of the meeting between the FIA and engine manufacturers on January 22 was the methodology for how the compression ratio should be measured under high temperature conditions. Nicolas Tombazis, FIA's technical director for single-seater cars, said that this meeting was not a "summit" and was not intended to make any major decisions.
According to Tombazis, the meeting was purely technical in nature and the participants discussed the issue as an engineering problem, not an exchange of views. He emphasized that the FIA absolutely does not want a situation to arise at the start of the season where teams interpret the rules differently.
Answering the question of whether the alleged compression ratio technology is a "loophole," Tombazis said that the concept itself is controversial. According to him, it is too early to talk about a specific violation of the rules at this time, and the main goal is to close the issue completely clearly and unambiguously before the first race.
At the same time, the possibility remains that teams will file a protest if a solution is not found by the Australian Grand Prix. Tombazis noted that while the FIA is trying to provide clarity, whether or not any team protests is not within the authority of the organization. The goal is to provide such transparency that there is no need for protest.
