Renault's better fuel consumption may be advantage

[John S]

This extract claiming superior fuel use is from a longer ESPN story where Red Bull critisises the FIA's failure to get engine power equalised. Whilst I agree the better fuel consumption will mean the Renault powered cars will be a bit lighter at the start I still think it will be near impossible to make up places in the early laps at most tracks, especially if the Renault engines are still down on power as Christian Horner claims. What does anyone else think about this?

The ban on refuelling this year means that fuel consumption will become a critical factor in the races. Renault, which supplies Red Bull as well as its factory team, is believed to have the most fuel efficient engine, albeit one slightly down on power. A frugal engine will allow a team to run a lighter fuel load at the start of the race, a factor that will be worth a significant amount of lap time in the early stages of a grand prix. Fuel levels will no longer have a bearing on qualifying times, as the top ten won't have to run in Q3 with enough fuel to start the race. Therefore, the Renault powered cars may qualify lower down the grid but make significant gains during the opening laps.

© ESPN EMEA Ltd.

[Jericoke]

You're trying to convince me that the team that came in a solid second place in 2009 was using an underpowered engine?  I don't think so.

As for the fuel consumption advantage, you're right, at the beginning of the race, it won't be a help, but I'm thinking mid-race, after the first pit stop where the car is still heavy, but on fresh tires will be where an efficient engine is most helpful.  It also means that the cars will be easier on the tires in the first stint, so the 5 laps at the end of the stint might be surprisingly effective versus the competition.

[raindancer]

I am hoping that lack of refuelling will lead to a overtaking and demonstration of driver skill.

[Jericoke]

I am hoping that lack of refuelling will lead to a overtaking and demonstration of driver skill.

So is the FIA.

However, there are still pit stops, there is still strategy and gamesmanship to be had.  I don't think that refueling is what stopped on track passing.