Oz: Renault Engine Preview

[davewilson]

Oz: Renault Engine Preview

2007 sees Formula 1 enter a period of engine homologation during which the sealed perimeter of the engine will remain unchanged for the 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010 seasons.

All engines are based on the units used at the 2006 Chinese and Japanese Grands Prix. Approved modifications, at the discretion of the FIA, to specified areas of the engine, were permitted to re-tune the units for a new maximum rev limit of 19,000 rpm. All engines must be 2.4l V8 engines.

The engineer’s view: Rob White, Deputy Managing Director (Engine)

“Our development programme is clearly much reduced compared to previous years – and our resources have been structured to reflect this. In the past, the primary routes to improved performance came through development within the engine’s sealed perimeter, and any such development has been outlawed by the engine homologation regulations. No development is permitted within the sealed perimeter of the engine, which restricts our work to optimising how we use the engine in the car – and the areas of electronics, ancillary components and gains from fuel and lubricants with our partner Elf.

Last year, with unlimited development under deliberately restrictive V8 engine regulations, we could expect to achieve a gain of between 1 and 2% in engine performance. During 2007, modest gains of up to 1% may be achievable.”

Engine usage is now free during the free practice sessions on Friday (P1 + P2), in order to encourage increased on-track action relative to 2006. An engine must still last for two consecutive Events, but for the purposes of engine usage, an Event is deemed to comprise P3, qualifying and the race. This means engines will be changed after P2, in preparation for running on Saturday and Sunday.

In total, the ING Renault F1 Team will bring eight engines to each Grand Prix event, compared to five in 2006. However, engines that run in Friday practice will not reach peak mileage during these sessions, and may subsequently be run at other Grand Prix weekends, or during testing.

The Renault F1 Team will supply identical specification RS27 engines to Red Bull Racing for the 2007 season and beyond.

The engineer’s view: Denis Chevrier, Head of Trackside Engine Operations

“Competitive customer engine supply is part of Renault’s racing heritage, and we have tried to approach our new relationship with Red Bull Racing in the best possible conditions, establishing clear, honest operating principles from the outset. Priority number one was to ensure that the works team suffered no drop off in the quality of trackside support. And number two, was to establish a strong trackside team with Red Bull Racing, building for the long term.

Our teams have had to learn how to work together, in order to build up performance levels ahead of the season. What’s more, our engine supply agreement has meant we completed more miles with the RS27 engine this winter, allowing us to learn more about its on-track behaviour than would otherwise have been possible. That additional knowledge will be beneficial for both Renault and Red Bull Racing.”

The stig