The final most interesting aspect of a new Power Unit undoubtedly remains the power target that every engineer sets himself. This target is essential and allows the aerodynamicists to decide how much drag they can afford in according to the power on the straights.
On the new Formula 1 cars there are areas where producing some raw drag will be unavoidable, as reported by formu1a.uno. That is where the ability to clean the flows above the floor will be limited, which is the aim of the technical regulation to make overtaking easier.
The diverter-sidepods entrance area is interesting, since without the Y250 vortex generated by the front wing they will have a massive pressure to manage and take out from the floor.
Why is there optimism in Maranello about the new power unit?
Ferrari feels the new Power Unit is a big step forward. In terms of power, we know from information from different teams that using E10 fuel in the “adapted” 2021 configuration would cut power by as much as 80 hp – a huge shortfall to make up for.
“Rather enviable if Ferrari had managed to contain the deficit in just 20hp, as Mattia Binotto hinted a little maliciously…” – revealed a source close to Honda.
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In terms of total power, the estimated recovery was over 6% compared to the -8% from which teams started at the beginning of 2021.
Even without knowing the level of other engineers, this figure is perceived as “a great step forward”.
Oil and carbon
But the new ICE Ferrari has two other completely new elements: the first a completely different use of the combustion mixture (we are talking about an innovative oil management). The second – perhaps even more important in the long term with technical freezing – lies in the use of new composite materials within the Power Unit.
Ferrari, with the support of a new exclusive supplier, has developed ultra-light parts. A very interesting goal is the significant weight reduction of the drive unit.
A super light PU
This aspect was something risky in terms of reliability but capable of producing a possible advantage difficult to copy by the opponents.
Fire up
Current status is that the engine fire-up is being defined: Mattia Binotto is personally defining the last aspects, as a true Technical Director should do.
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