Putting the motor back in motorsport

Mercedes-Benz has unveiled it’s new ‘power unit’ for the 2014 Formula One World Championship.

Whilst other teams are busy designing, testing and unveiling their new cars for the 2013 championship, Mercedes are also working on their new power unit for 2014.

This is because of the huge regulation changes that will follow the end of the upcoming F1 season in regards to engines.

The 2.4-litre V8-engine’s which have been in place in Formula One since 2006 will be making way for new turbo-charged 1.6-litre V6s.

Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone’s has always been concerned regarding the change in regulations with worries about the noise of F1 being lost.

But Mercedes-Benz do not believe that to be the case after being the first manufacturer to unveil it’s current developments.

‘The engines are going to be loud, but I think sweet sounding, The frequency will be higher and, with the turbocharger running at 125,000rpm, they will be loud. When you are stood next to it on the dyno it is not quiet and you need ear defenders. Managing director of Mercedes-Benz High Performance Engines Andy Cowell told Autosport Magazine.

The new turbo-charged 1.6-litre V6s are boosted by better energy recovery systems. Giving Formula One a more environmentally friendly feel.

The current V8-engine’s produce 750hp and whilst the new power units will produce the same figure, more of it will come from the new Energy Recovery Systems.

In Formula One over the past couple of seasons spectators have become used to the use of kinetic energy recovery systemS [KERS], the current system producinf 80hp and limited to just 6.7 seconds of anyone lap. With limited use it is generally used as a device to try and defend or attack for race position.

The new Energy Recovery System however will provide over double the horse power with 161hp and will be in use for 33.3 seconds per lap.

‘There will be a new quality to the racing too. It will edge towards a thinking drivers’ formula to get the most from the car and the available fuel energy.

‘The engines will also deliver much more torque – especially on the exit of the corners. Cars with more power than grip coming out of the corners – that is something that we all enjoy.

‘They will also put F1 back at the cutting edge of new technology – which is what the fans want.’

Many in Formula One believe the change in regulations will see a power shift in F1 with the manufacturers such as Ferrari and Mercedes holding an advantage over customer teams such as Red Bull and McLaren.

‘We are putting the motor back in motorsport, but to what extent we will only know in 2014, It will definitely have more of an influence.’ Cowell concluded.