Minardi: “Consumption and lack of testing are the challenges of the new F6 V1 engines”

According to Gian Carlo Minardi, the lack of on-track tests and the need to contain consumption are the main problems facing the designers of the new V6 turbo F1 engines. According to the Italian, the power of the new units will be between 610 and 620 horsepower.

“The main problems that manufacturers are facing in anticipation of 2014 (Ferrari – Mercedes – Renault) are Consumption – Power – Reliability, but the real handicap is the lack of track tests. We only work in the test rooms which, although sophisticated, cannot faithfully reproduce the problems that could occur on the cars on the track" explained Minardi.

“With the collaboration of suppliers, reliability is improving, but we are still talking about results obtained on the test bench. The situation could change with the installation of the engine unit in the car and the release on the track, as it is really difficult to reproduce all the variables in detail. The information we have collected makes us understand that the three engines could be within a range of between 610-620 hp".

“The designers' attention is directed towards optimizing consumption, rather than seeking maximum power. The real sword of Damocles for 2014 will in fact be the imposed limit of 100 kg of fuel. Excessive consumption could be penalizing in the race and it seems that everyone is still looking for the right balance. Rumors also report that all manufacturers theoretically fear the problem of skidding, in particular, in second and third gear (torque-power delivery-tyre effect). With the current Pirellis, it therefore becomes important to know the specifications of the 2014 tires as soon as possible. I won't add anything else, because everyone is chasing adequate solutions regarding regulatory interpretations, without forgetting that 2014 will also see the debut of new "energy recovery systems": 'MGU-K (basically the old Kers) and the newborn MGU-H, all new and to be tested and not easy to assemble in the car. Let's not forget that there are only four months left until the basic engine is delivered to the FIA."