FIA set to introduce new measurements
As outlined previously, Mercedes can increase their engine’s compression ratio thanks to clever use of thermal expansion.
This allows the Brackley-based team to meet the FIA’s static tests and simultaneously surpass the 16:1 limit when the W17 is circulating on track.
Estimates about how much lap-time this trick could unlock are varied at this stage – even Mercedes cannot be fully certain of the impact this solution will have. Still, the most conservative calculations suggest this idea is worth at least three tenths per lap.
Mercedes clearly believe this innovation is important enough to take a stand against other manufacturers – who are also convinced this issue is worth going through the trouble of issuing complaints to the FIA.
In any case, as revealed by Autosprint, the compromise now on the table could change the playing field. The new proposal to satisfy the complaints across the field is to change how the compression ratio tests are conducted.
Rather than carrying out measurements in static tests at room temperatures, manufacturers and the FIA are moving for compression ratio to be measured at high temperatures – i.e. by turning on the engine in the garage.
This would mean that any engine found to exceed the 16:1 limit, regardless of temperature, could be detected. Therefore, any ambiguity that could have arisen under the previous stationary checks would be addressed.
Of course, this new scrutineering measure will not be well received by Toto Wolff’s team. They have invested a huge amount of time and effort into pioneering a technology they believed was fully permissible.
However, with the other engine suppliers making their opposition known, action is set to be taken. Fundamentally, the FIA does not want to enter the first race in Australia with the risk of a wide-scale protest.
It is understood that this proposal could be implemented before the first round in Australia. All manufacturers, aside from Mercedes, are reportedly in favour.
