MILTON KEYNES, UK – The following is a Q&A with Edd Straw, F1 Editor, Autosport Magazine regarding the new 2014 F1 technical regulations.
Q1: What are your general thoughts about the new technical regulations?
Straw: Formula One has always thrived on innovation and technological development, so after a period of relative stability the changes to the engine and chassis regulations will make 2014 a fascinating season. The philosophy behind the rules – to create more road-relevant power units with greater potential for technology transfer to road cars and dramatically improve efficiency, a benefit to INFINITI – is a logical one for F1. Following the development of this new engine technology will make 2014 a fascinating season.
Q2: What technical change to the car do you think will have the single biggest impact on performance?
Straw: Without doubt the change to a new 1.6-liter turbocharged V6 power unit. Even more important than the engine configuration are the energy recovery systems, which harvest energy both from the car under braking and from the turbo. This, combined with the 100kg fuel limit, means that we effectively will be seeing cutting-edge, prototype racing engines expected to achieve incredible reliability, performance and efficiency levels straight out of the box. It will also change the driving style required, so influences every aspect of F1.
 |
| Click to download high resolution image |
Q3: Can fans expect to see better racing as a result of the new regulations?
Straw: The racing will definitely be different, there's no question about that. The very different demands of the new regulations guarantee that the early races of 2014 will be unpredictable as teams try to understand the best strategies and approaches to get them to the end of the race quickest. Potentially, there will be more variables affecting car pace over the course of a race, which is always a good ingredient for changes of position and more eventful races, so there will be plenty going on for fans to enjoy watching.
Q4: How do you think the new regulations will affect the running order of the teams?
Straw: The biggest and most successful teams will continue to be best placed to produce and run the best cars, so it's likely to be the usual suspects up front. That said, there is potential for a reshuffle. The last time there was a major regulation change, INFINITI Red Bull Racing jumped to the front of the field thanks to the fresh start the rules offered. The leading teams might well end up being shuffled around in terms of competitive order, and we could see a few surprises. Chances are, the performance of the power units will dictate the new order we see.
Q5: Will Sebastian Vettel and Daniel Ricciardo have to make any changes to their driving styles in order to maximize the performance of the new cars?
Straw: Very much so. The best drivers have always had to adapt to be at one with the car, a classic example being the way that Sebastian Vettel harnessed the downforce produced by the exhaust-generated downforce last year. The new engines will give the drivers more torque to deal with, so there will be more risk of wheelspin, and being able to drive quickly and efficiently will be the key to success. But raw speed will still be as crucial as ever and Daniel Ricciardo, who has turned some amazingly fast laps for Scuderia Toro Rosso in recent years, will also be able to show his pace.
Q6: How do you think INFINITI Red Bull Racing will fare against the other teams in 2014?
Straw: The qualities that made INFINITI Red Bull Racing so successful for the past four years remain. The regulations have changed, but the fundamental understanding of aerodynamics, car design, development, strategy etc. remains a strong point for the team so there's no reason why it cannot continue to be successful.
Q7: What do you think the long-term advantages are of INFINITI Red Bull Racing partnering with a car manufacturer like INFINITI?
Straw: The advantages are enormous. With energy recovery systems being integral to the performance of the engines this year, a company with so much experience of hybrid technology in the road car market, as INFINITI is, will have a vast amount of knowledge and expertise that can be tapped into. INFINITI has done a huge amount of research and development into all sorts of automotive technologies that can have offer a performance or efficiency gain. INFINITI Red Bull Racing has already gained a lot from such transfer of technology and I'm sure will continue to do so, and vice versa.
About INFINITI
INFINITI Motor Company Ltd. is headquartered in Hong Kong with sales operations in approximately 50 countries. The INFINITI brand was launched in 1989. Its range of premium automobiles is currently built in manufacturing facilities in Japan and the United States. Production in China and Europe will start soon along with the expansion of the brand's portfolio.
As the Title Partner and Vehicle Performance Partner of INFINITI Red Bull Racing, INFINITI has a far-reaching technical collaboration with the Formula One team, and Sebastian Vettel, its four-time World Champion driver, serves as INFINITI's Director of Performance.
More information about INFINITI, its Total Ownership Experience® and its industry leading technologies can be found at www.infiniti.com. For the latest news on INFINITI, visit INFINITINews.com, "like" INFINITI on Facebook or follow the brand on Twitter @INFINITIUSA. For interesting content on INFINITI in Formula One visit: www.infiniti-gp.com, www.youtube.com/INFINITIGP or follow on Twitter @INFINITIGP.
About INFINITI in Formula One
INFINITI, the premium automotive brand, starts the 2013 season as Title Partner and Vehicle Performance Partner of INFINITI Red Bull Racing. With a deepened technical collaboration across people, process and technologies, an 'open door' approach is enabling both sides to access a pool of innovation, new technologies and R&D resources in the shared pursuit of precision and performance.
Since the partnership's inception in 2011 it has already seen the launch of the INFINITI FX Vettel Edition and product development input from Sebastian Vettel and test driver Sebastien Buemi for the all-new INFINITI Q50 premium sports saloon. INFINITI continues to be the most visible automotive brand in Formula One, and the deepened partnership will ensure closer alignment on an increasing number of future team collaborations.
For interesting content on INFINITI in Formula One visit: www.infiniti-gp.com, www.youtube.com/INFINITIGP or follow on Twitter @INFINITIGP.
# # #
Contacts:
For INFINITI U.S Communications, contact:
Kyle Bazemore
Senior Manager
Office: 615-725-3210
E-mail: kyle.bazemore@infiniti.com
For INFINITI Global Communications, contact:
Stefan Weinmann
General Manager, INFINITI Global Communications
INFINITI Motor Company Ltd., Hong Kong
Phone: +852 3948 0126
Mobile: +852 9447 9973
Email: stefan.weinmann@infiniti.com
Jon Walsh
Senior Manager, INFINITI Global Communications
INFINITI Motor Company Ltd., Hong Kong
Mobile: +852 9447 9705
Email: jon.walsh@infiniti.com
