Does anyone know which is the MAX fuel tank capacity in F1?
I've searched in FIA regulations but there isn't anything about this, neither in the Wikipedia or in this website...
1986: Fuel tank capacity limit was lowered from 220 litres to 195 litres.
1988: Fuel tank capacity limit was lowered from 195 litres to 150 litres.
1989: Capacity limit deleted...
Isn't there any limit right now?
Anyway, I've readed an approximation in an official website, 100 litres. That's true?
Fuel tank size may become a big issue this year (2007).
It would be good to get some comments on this as it should have a hugh impact on race strategy this year.
With harder tyres available, it should be possible to run almost a complete race distance on a single set, you wouldn't but possibly could.
Yes I know you MUST run both compounds but what about running qualifying on softs with enough fuel to get you to lap 20 or 25 of a 60 to 70 lap race. Then doing the remaining 40+ laps without a stop.
The harder tyres should get faster as they wear down.
The new PIt-Lane speed limit has been reduced (80K I think) making the average pit stop price 35 to 45 seconds.
New Safety car rules reduce the advantage of being able to dive in for "a quick one".
The track will come in and runbber up as the race goes on providing further benefit to the harder compound tyres.... or will it??
If a team designed a car with only a small fuel tank, then they wouldn't be able to use a different strategy. A few years back McLaren used to regularly get the better of Ferrari simply by using a larger tank and going further between stops.
Are we going to see more divergent strategies between the first 6 or 8 cars and the rest of the field. Take 10th place in qualifying, he can run any fuel strategy and can start the race on zero mileage tyres hard or soft.
Now is the time for the predictors to come forth. Not on Monday....
Personal motto... "Were it not for the bad.... I would have no luck at all."
Actual capacities are never stated and are kept highly secret. Most teams are around 150l plus or minus 10l. That said most teams say they have more space inside the moncoque for a larger tank bag than that usually fitted.
One reason for Ferraris longer car was reputed to be to allow for a bigger fuel tank.
Also teams compartmentise their tank, that way fuel can placed to the left\right upper\lower compartments to maximise weight distribution, i.e. Silverstone teams run more fuel in the right side of the tank.
