Splash and Dash: Ferrari's new refueling system!

[Dino IV]

Rory Byrne about the F1-2000:

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>"The fuel system has been completely redesigned to improve performance in both qualifying and the race, when it will be possible to reduce the time taken to refuel. In terms of fuel capacity, it's something we review from year to year and we've reviewed it for this year, but I'm not prepared to say what we've done.

In terms of the fuel flow, the FIA regulates the flow delivered at the nozzle but there are other areas where you can gain a small advantage if you're careful. You can certainly lose it if you're not careful."<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

'Gain a small advantage'?
The FIA set rules for diameter and flow speed at the nozzle, so where can they gain those small advantages?

'If you're careful'?
Sounds like if we don't get caught on irregularities, doesn't it?

What about this system?
Does anyone know any details?

Regards,

Dino IV



[This message has been edited by Dino IV (edited 04 March 2000).]

[Sparky]

I may be wrong, but if you read it all again, it could all be 'clarification' of Ferrari's intention to use refuelling rigs with the fuel pressurized during release. This idea was denounced by McLaren when Ferrari used it late last year. It's all in the name of saving time during the final stages of pit stops; no need to bother with switching off the rig once the fuel's delivered, just disconnect and be gone.

Ok, until the nozzle jams, and it's bar-b-q-crew again.

Of course, it could be something entirely different...

[Sparky]

Carbon Dioxide?

[Sparky]

...Er... Just in case..?

[Dino IV]

Well, Ferrari is defenitely not the only one taking every piece of equipment to the edge.

How about the fuel shower Zonta got this GP?
Thank God, Sparky wasn't around the BAR pits, 'cause Zonta was very lucky not to be in the middle of an inferno.

Another question: what were some teams spraying onto the car after the refuelling?
In the ChampCar-series they spray water after the methanol-refuelling but that won't work with the normal fuel they use in F1.
So what is it and why do they use it now?

Regards,

Dino IV