While the off-throttle diffuser ban may not hurt RBR as much as its competitors are hoping, I believe this new ruling may have a profound effect on Q3 for the Bulls. They seem to push their engine mapping to the limits during qualifying, evidenced by them not having the true race pace that Ferrari and McLaren seem to maintain on Sunday. This could really make things interesting.

Source: autosport.com - F1 News: FIA in new engine mapping clampdown

"Formula 1 teams are to face a further clampdown on engine mapping use from this weekend's European Grand Prix, AUTOSPORT has learned, with the FIA moving to eradicate special qualifying-only settings

Ahead of the effective ban on the off-throttle use of blown diffusers from next month's British Grand Prix, motor racing's governing body has shown it is determined to prevent teams from using any form of clever engine use to help aerodynamic performance.

In a note sent from F1 technical delegate Charlie Whiting to the teams, he made it clear that with immediate effect teams will no longer be allowed to change engine maps between qualifying and the race.

Such a move will effectively prevent teams from running an extreme engine map for qualifying - such as one that produces more exhaust blowing or burns more fuel – and then reverting to a safer setting for the grand prix itself.

One theory surrounding Red Bull Racing's qualifying dominance this year, compared to the fact it has not been so fast in the race, is that the team has been using extreme engine maps in qualifying to boost performance for a single lap.

McLaren's principal race engineer Phil Prew said about his team's theory on Red Bull Racing's form earlier this year: "I think tyre optimisation may be one area, and the use of elaborate engine modes may be another - with the generation of downforce being quite highly influenced with the exhaust flows."

The new directive from the FIA means that any engine mapping setting used in qualifying has to now be used for the start of the race – with the first opportunity to change it now only possible at the first pitstop when a computer could in theory be plugged into the car.

However, such a move would be hugely impractical because of the speed of modern pitstops.

The extreme engine maps that some teams may be using for qualifying would be unusable in the race – because they risk reliability of engines over longer distances and could burn too much fuel.

Although the changes to the regulations coming into force over the next two races will affect all teams, the main focus will be in terms of what impact it has on pace-setters Red Bull Racing.

Ferrari team principal Stefano Domenicali said at the Canadian Grand Prix that he believed Silverstone could mark the start of a totally new picture in terms of the world title fight.

"We need to see in Silverstone, what is the real effect of this change in the regulations with regard to the effect of the exhaust," he said.

"Then, we will see really where is the second championship in terms of the level of performance above all in higher downforce tracks.""

 

I'm so intrigued with the height of the front spoiler, I have read they may be using a electric energy working stiffener that can be used to create more downforce in the bends.



This technology is applied in HEAD skis: Head Skis

 

^^ so crazy!!! whatever they are doing it still has not been figured out by everyone else.

 

not bad for a drinks company

 

You really hate Hamilton don't you?

 

Formula 1 is against innovation?

 

Yes and no. It depends how it relates to competition and safety. Some innovations aren't better for the sport, at least in the eyes of those in charge of making the rules.

 

It is all about money and parity.

 

What wrecks F1 for me is all the changes that are made midseason. If they were clever enough to think of it why change a rule that takes it away mid season. Annoying...and no I'm not a Red Bull fan.

 

I would tend to agree with you, but then I can also see that it saves the season from Seb pulling away. If Vettel were to have the championship wrapped up with quite a few races to spare, I'd bet that it wouldn't be as good for ratings as let's say...last year's championship (that came down to the last lap of the last race). By regulating the engine mapping and soon banning the off-throttle diffusers, the championship may still have a bit of a fight remaining. If a few seasons ago, F1 would have banned the double diffusers during the season, Button may not have had as easy of a time winning his championship. The Brawn car was far and away the best car because of that advantage, and it made the season less exciting towards the end.