Ferrari SF-23, PU 066/10: engine torque curve and power delivery crucial at Marina Bay

Scuderia Ferrari knows exactly what to do in Singapore. However, it doesn’t mean they will win. To do so, besides the formidable Red Bull, they must consider other teams that are more competitive than ever. Mercedes, in particular, is convinced that they can make a difference by fully exploiting the characteristics of the W14 and the talent of their drivers. Yes, because at Marina Bay, the driver’s skills can make a significant difference. We’ve seen and understood this in past editions.

A night-time event with a truly stunning backdrop, Marina Bay has been part of Formula 1 since as far back as 2008. To achieve the goals set for the Asian leg, the 15th round of the 2024 campaign, having the correct handling is crucial to unleash the car’s full potential and achieve excellent lap times.

For this reason, the technicians at Maranello have prepared extensively through simulations. Even though they are aware that Singapore is nothing like Monza. However, one of the most interesting features of the SF-23, inherited from the still very good F1-75, is its ability to put the power down to the ground effectively during acceleration phases. This is a characteristic of the red car that will be at the center of the weekend.

In addition to the right choice regarding the wing’s downforce settings, there has been a specific focus on the suspension system. The goal is to maximize the performance of both suspensions on the Modena-based car. They will aim for more grip at the rear while sacrificing the front in the right way, so as not to further penalize an element of the SF-23 that is not particularly strong on its own.

Optimizing the car’s setup during direction changes through stiffening the suspensions is a move that could work, especially considering the recent modifications to the circuit layout. Fred Vasseur has cautiously expressed optimism in this regard, believing that the positive trend started at the Italian Grand Prix should and must continue. Within this described scenario, there is a new aspect to consider that could significantly aid the team in the Eastern city-state.

Ferrari SF-23, PU 066/10: a key aspect in Singapore as well
The power unit’s demand in Singapore is not very high. Although the removal of corners 16, 17, 18, and 19, replaced by a straight, has increased its importance, it remains below the average of the tracks on the calendar. Drivers will be “flat out” for only 52% of the lap. Consequently, the internal combustion engine will not be subjected to particular stress. As for the hybrid system, the impact is quite different. Not so much in terms of recovery capacity but rather the efficiency of its components.

Let’s look at some numbers: the support provided by the system responsible for supplying electrical energy is worth more than two seconds per lap at Marina Bay. During braking, through the MGU-K’s contribution, the motor-generator stores approximately 1030Kj, a significantly high value. Meanwhile, the recovery of exhaust gas enthalpy entrusted to the MGU-H provides around 3065Kg per lap, for a total of 4095Kj. A respectable percentage that translates into more than two seconds of time gain per lap.

Furthermore, in Singapore, the maximum power data corresponds to about 0.160 seconds for every 10 hp, an important factor but not as critical as the torque curve combined with power delivery. Having a car capable of delivering power smoothly at low revs will be a strength that Ferrari believes it can rely on. In this regard, the recent modification to the hybrid system of the 066/10 engine offers guarantees. This information was provided by some technicians from the Ferrari Racing Division.

The new software that manages the hybrid elements, in addition to maximizing the overall system’s efficiency during charge and discharge phases, is said to be capable of delivering maximum power much more smoothly. This important quality, while also contributing to tire management by not excessively stressing them, should favor the traction phase of the SF-23. As always, only the track can confirm these facts, turning hypothetical scenarios into reality.

Finally, a few words about transmission and fuel consumption regarding the upcoming 2023 Singapore Grand Prix. Over the course of a single lap, the wing car’s gearbox will be put to the test. This data is undoubtedly significant because, in the total count of the 62 laps needed to “complete” the distance of 306.143km, we are talking about a value that approaches 5000 gear changes.

Moreover, the high downforce that the cars require, along with the still-low average speed, even considering the aforementioned layout changes, reveals that fuel consumption will undoubtedly be closely monitored. Especially for Ferrari, which, despite having the most powerful power unit, doesn’t excel in terms of fuel economy during a race.