[Race] 2014 Formula 1 Rolex Australian Grand Prix

[Scooter185]

The sensors are supplied by Gill and calibrated on each car individually by Calibra Technologies. Other than monitoring the telemetry from them it doesn't appear that the FIA has any influence on the sensors. So the scenario where rbr gets the stuffed up ones while Ferrari gets favorable ones seems far fetched imo.

[Teretonga]

Originally Posted by Scooter185

The sensors are supplied by Gill and calibrated on each car individually by Calibra Technologies. Other than monitoring the telemetry from them it doesn't appear that the FIA has any influence on the sensors. So the scenario where rbr gets the stuffed up ones while Ferrari gets favorable ones seems far fetched imo.

The suggestion by the writer is hypothetical. However the notion that the FIA could favour a particular team or teams, or manage the race result directly or indirectly (latter more likely) is simply a remark on how critical to the whole future of the 'sport' it is that the FIA be completely transparent and open about all the information relating to the sensors.

If there are calibration problems and they are 'managing' the teams with regard to exceeding the 100kg per hour it is conceivable that one team could be disadvantaged over another.
Now Ferrari and Mercedes have come out in favour of supporting the FIA and 'trusting' the FIA with the sensor management.

But those two engine suppliers have teams that are contesting the championship so given the rule that the FIA alone makes the decision on fuel sensors and all teams have to abide by it leaves the possibility of abuse or manipulation in future situations wide open.
Red Bull who are a Renault customer want to challenge that precept. The fact that Ferrari and Mercedes are standing with the FIA is more political right now.

Mercedes were said to be running the fuel flow at 96% of the allowable because of sensor problems.... But materially it is affecting most of the teams. And the detail on how much RBR exceeded the rate by is not being published by the FIA, so we don't know...

[johnh875]

My question is why would they need to use an external sensor in the first place when they could get the injector pulse, fuel pressure and any other necessary data from the control ECU?

[wnut]

Originally Posted by johnh875

My question is why would they need to use an external sensor in the first place when they could get the injector pulse, fuel pressure and any other necessary data from the control ECU?

That is the $100 000 question!

Apparently it is perfectly fine as a back up system, but only if the FIA deign to accept the figures.

The orifice and maximum pressure that someone suggested above would also do it.

[wolfhound]

The RedBull appeal is set for 14th April, so we will know the result in time for the Chinese GP.
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/113039

RB have now to decide for the next 2 GP's as to whether they use their fuel flow rates or the FIA's.

[Tucky]

If they still use their own fuel flow rates for the next two races and they end up losing the appeal, they would be disqualified from those races as well, right?

If that's so, it wouldn't be worth it just in case their appeal fails.

[wolfhound]

Originally Posted by Tucky

If they still use their own fuel flow rates for the next two races and they end up losing the appeal, they would be disqualified from those races as well, right?

If that's so, it wouldn't be worth it just in case their appeal fails.

With RB's current reliability I doubt they will manage a potential 86 points but it will be interesting to see what they do.
If they go with the FIA's measurements then it says that RB were in the wrong. If they use their own and they loose the appeal then will have other trouble.

The appeal court could come up with some odd ruling meaning nobody really wins like they did witth Mercedes last year.