Sunday, July 22, 2012

Illegal engine mapping by Red Bull team in Hockenheim

Illegal engine mapping by Red Bull in Hockenheim

In the German Grand Prix 2012 in Hockenheim, Red Bull is under investigation for illegal engine mapping. Jo Bauer, steward in Hockenheim said that upon inspection it was found that the Red Bull cars which qualified 2nd and 3rd had different engine characteristics. In the mid rpm range, they had much lower maximum torque levels as compared to other races. This is a clear violation because, FIA had stipulated that engine characteristics cannot be changed from race to race.

Jo Bauer said "in my opinion this is therefore in breech of Article 5.5.3 of the Technical regulations as the engines are able to deliver more torque at a given engine speed in the mid rpm range." He said that the new torque map will artificially alter the aerodynamics of the cars "in contravention of Technical Directive 036-11"

FIA had placed severe restrictions on engine maps after the exhaust-blown diffuser saga. Further information is awaited.

EDIT: After a meeting with Red Bull and Renault representatives and after they examined the ECU data, the stewards of Hockenheim concluded that the map presented doesn't breach the text of the Article 5.5.3. However, the stewards didn't accept all the arguments of the team.

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