Red Bull given 50% off-throttle Diffuser use by FIA to ensure reliability of engine – Formula 1
The Red Bull Racing team has been allowed to use the off-throttle Blown Diffuser gases up to 50 percent by the International Automobile Federation (FIA) to ensure the reliability of their Renault engine.
Engine manufacturer Renault had stated that they need the exhaust gases to cool down their exhaust valves in order to make the engine reliable. The previously announced ban on the off-throttle use of hot gases would surely hurt them but the new decision will give them some room to breathe.
On the other hand, the Mercedes engines do not use the off-throttle gases to cool down their engine but uses engine Over-run technology when the driver is off-throttle, which in turn produces downforce.
The FIA decision has been received differently by the teams as some think that allowing Renault-powered teams to use Blown Diffuser is not a fair decision whereas all the other engine manufacturers are restricted to do that.
Christian Horner stated that the decision is still not clear from the FIA as the Over-run has almost the same effect as the Diffuser gases and if Renault is not allowed to use the Diffuser, Mercedes must be restricted from using Over-run.
“Certain teams were then allowed to have fired overrun, to fuel their overrun, of which there are also, obviously, secondary benefits through the exhaust plumes and thrusts that creates, But that was permitted,” commented Horner.
He further added, “It would be unfair to allow fire overrun and not allow the same parameters for another engine manufacturer. I think it's a very difficult job for the FIA to pick their way through this and I think all credit to them, they've looked to try and be as fair, balanced and equitable as they decreed.”
Nevertheless, FIA’s Charlie Whiting has scheduled a meeting with the teams to decide the ban on the Diffuser so that no team is treated unfairly.
The qualifiers of the Silverstone Grand Prix are to be contested on Saturday, July 9, 2011 and it is expected that the teams will be given some firm directives about the Diffuser.
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