By Ben Langley
As Formula 1 testing reaches its conclusion ahead of the first Grand Prix in two weeks’ time, the main area of discussion throughout pre-season has been of Mercedes’ clever engine trick. It was revealed that the Silver Arrows had exposed a loophole in the new technical regulations relating to the power unit. The rules state that the maximum compression ratio of the engine must be 16:1 at ambient temperatures. However, Mercedes claimed to have found a method to exceed this when the engine is running at operating temperatures.
The excessive ratio allows for more fuel to he utilised effectively and is rumoured to bring a 0.3 second advantage every lap. After concerns from other manufacturers Audi, Ferrari and Honda, Mercedes have insisted the trick is legal. Red Bull were also rumoured to have discovered the loophole, but their inability to utilise it saw them apparently leak the information to the other manufacturers.
It was announced this week that the FIA will look to close this loophole, but not until the summer break. Mercedes’ hopes now lie on a vote which will take place this week with all manufacturers taking part. Audi, Ferrari and Honda are expected to back the rule change whereas Mercedes will not. The stance of Red Bull remains unclear. Aston Martin team principal Adrian Newey stated in January that all but one manufacturer are supporting the change. This would suggest Mercedes is the only one against it and so Red Bull would be on the side of the other three manufacturers. Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies said previously they just wanted to understand what they can and cannot do.
If the result of the vote is passed it will mean Mercedes will need to adjust their power unit to be compliant with the new rule. However, with the change not coming into force until the summer break, who knows what potential advantage the Silver Arrows have over the competition.
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