Turbocharged Engines for Formula 1 a Possibility in 2012
With ongoing discussions about impending formula changes for Formula 1, some teams are pushing for a major change in the engines used.
Both Renault and BMW are heavy advocators for small turbocharged engines for the 2012 season and beyond. The teams propose the engines have a 1.5-liter capacity with a maximum 22.8 psi of boost (according to European figures). The move isn’t terribly surprising from either of those companies, both of whom were at the forefront of turbo technology the last time F1 went to forced induction.
The use of turbos in Formula one isn't anything new. In fact, turbocharged 1.5-liter engines were used two decades earlier. With Ferrari engined cars finishing in the top position at the Valencia circuit last weekend, it's no wonder the Italian marquee's rivals are pushing for this change.
+ F1-live: Some teams want turbo engines for 2012
Comments
Mena
I'm all for the return of turbo's to F1!!!! If anyone thinks this will level the playing field, they're delusional. There's more than one way to increase hp even in a turbo motor. Turning up the boost is only one of them.
davido
"With Ferrari engined cars finishing in the top five positions at the Valencia circuit last weekend"
Hardy,
Hamilton, Kubica, Kovalainen and Trulli (P2-P5) must be shocked to learn that they were driving Ferrari engined cars last weekend. Though not as shocked as the folks at Mercedes, BMW and Toyota.
Seyth Miersma
Well spotted, thanks.
Seyth Miersma
Senior Editor
Winding Road // NextAutos
Redshark
F1 must be technologically cutting edge and must be technologically relevant. I wish Bernie would steer F1 on a new course which would emphasize speed, gas economy and low carbon emissions. The current formula has been socially and technologically irrelevant and irreverent for a number of years, now, imo.
Mena
Loads of F1 tech never makes it to the street. They ARE racing cars you know. As such, they should be (and are) the technological pinnacle of motorsport not social-sport. Keep your politics away from my racing.
Redshark
The greatest engine advancements happened in the wake of the 1.5 liter formula of the late 50's - 60's. Because of the work done on these engines, more was accomplished to understand and to establish standards in combustion, engine friction and construction then ever before; and, it carried over into the 3 liter - 1.5 tubo formulae. The current formula stifles technological advancement while limiting development costs. It supposedly fosters competition, but the racing and the cars are so boring, i no longer care and suspect that, even in Europe, F1 is no longer about the cars or the racing but is about the nationalism (always a part of F1) as well as the glitz and the glamour. Anything else is secondary. Oh, for the days of Phil Hill, Jack Brabham, Wolfgang von Trips and Joakim Bonnier...
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