F1 cars to use electric power only in pits in 2014

[Robbobnob]

F1 cars will have to run on electrical power only in the pit lane from 2014.

The technical rules for 2014 published by the FIA state cars must run “in electric mode” with “no ignition and no fuel supply to the engine at all times when being driven in the pit lane.”

http://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/2011/07/20/f1-cars-electric-power-pits-2014/

FIA have released the regulations for 2014

Not a fan of the Electric only pitlane, can see that going out the door quite quickly.

Also an extra forward gear, mandatory for all teams.

The cars are certainly going to be very different

[Byronrhys]

155kg for the engine :O, I assume this is with the MGU, intercooler, turbo and tubing though.

[n_anirudh]

plus a self start motor where drivers can start the car...no more anti-stall retirements...

[ringo]

what if a car has a KERS failure with these rules?

Imagine having to save KERS just to drive through the pit lane.

What will they do if the electral drive is damaged in some way, and a car has to retire becuase it can't drive through the pits on electrical power.

Kinda problematic.

Might as well they make the mechanics go to the pit entry and push the car to the garage, then push it back out at the pit exit. Strongest and fastest pit crew gets the advantage in total pitstop time. Kinda like a bob seld, to add some green energy and spice to the show at the same time.

[dren]

Is KERS still going to be push button operated or will they go the typical hybrid route with it integrated into the throttle?

[Tozza Mazza]

Le Mans Prototypes are limited to Electric power in the pits only, so it's definitely a good move. Why do we need engines in the pitlane, when the speed is limited?

definately a good move, as is the expansion of hybrid systems.

Why have the 2014 regulations been released before the 2012 ones?

[Jersey Tom]

What to do to push the 'green racing' BS when no one has any interest or need? Make a new regulation!

[Tozza Mazza]

Developing electric hybrid technologies is the way forward.
What they should do is replace any 'power' limits on the ERS systems for 2014, thats when it will get interesting, as teams will really be allowed to develop hybrid technologies.

[Jersey Tom]

The way forward.. for what?

[Tozza Mazza]

Hybrid technology in road cars, and supercars. Petrol ain't gonna last forever, embrace the future!

[Jersey Tom]

Could run on ethanol for a long time.

In any event, the whole way they're going about this alternative energy / efficient / green malarkey is a joke. It's all a gimmick - hence their need for all these damn rules and regulations to make it required.

Limit fuel to X, Y, and Z gallons for practice, qualifying and race. Make engine and KERS unlimited spec. Unique and interesting solutions will emerge, as will a DESIRE and NEED to develop better and more efficient solutions.

[andartop]

Why don't they just change the tracks instead of the cars: ask them to have a given altitude difference between pit entry and exit and make the whole pit lane downhill? The drivers would switch off the engine when entering the pits and just roll down to their box nice and slowly. Now, THAT would be environmentally friendly.

Also, it would introduce a strategic element, as heavier drivers would have an advantage during pit stops to compensate somewhat for their disadvantage during the race. Maybe even Montoya would return to F1 with this rule!

[Jersey Tom]

Why have an engine at all? Perhaps we could retrofit the cars with sails and to zero-emissions wind power cars.

[Just_a_fan]

Hybrid technology in road cars, and supercars. Petrol ain't gonna last forever, embrace the future!

F1 isn't road cars. It has no relevance to road cars.

When was the last time you saw a single seat 18000rpm petrol V8 car with a semi auto box, no launch control, no traction control, no ABS, no EBD on the roads?

Road cars and single seaters are linked only by the fact they both have 4 wheels and a driver. That's it.

I'm getting increasingly p'd off with this whole "F1 must be relevant to rado cars" rubbish. When F1 cars have 7 seats, a roof and child seats in the back then they'll be relevant to road cars...

[Pup]

F1 isn't road cars. It has no relevance to road cars.

F1 is paid for primarily by sponsorships from car manufacturers, oil companies, tire companies, etc. and without their presence the sport would have zero basis as the "pinnacle" of motor racing, which happens to be the only thing that attracts all the other sponsors.

F1 is a tool for the auto industry, has been since day one, and always will be so.