![[ Auto Express ]](/front_website/images/ae_website_logo.gif){kind=logo}
Auto Express Car Reviews
Renault McLaren row
Renault outrage at McLaren’s ‘unfair edge’ for 2008 season
McLaren could start 2008 with a big advantage over the other teams, according to Renault.
New electronics are proving troublesome for Renault
By James Foxall
06th December 2007
Next season, all cars on the F1 grid must use a common Engine Control Unit (ECU) so the sport’s governing body can monitor the ban on driver aids.
But the ECU has been designed by McLaren Electronics Systems, and that gives the British team a head start in how it works, says its rival.
Renault is struggling to get its latest R28 used to the new electronics.
But the ECU has been designed by McLaren Electronics Systems, and that gives the British team a head start in how it works, says its rival.
Renault is struggling to get its latest R28 used to the new electronics.
Technical director Bob Bell said: “It’s as if we had to talk to the car in a new language. This transition needs significant infrastructure changes, as the way of using the ECU is different. We had to revise our test bed, the tools we use for analysis and telemetry, the computer installations in the garage and back at the workshop, as well as train our engineers.” The system has already been slammed by BMW chief Mario Theissen, who claims it could prevent the sport making the most of new technology.
“A system is under development which regenerates and stores braking energy and puts it back when the driver accelerates,” he said. “Highly sensitive electronics are required to co-ordinate these processes efficiently and ensure it’s safe. Tailored electronics are essential if we really want to develop the potential of this system.”
nOngoing confusion regarding the eligibility of customer F1 cars has forced Prodrive to abandon its attempt to join the grand prix grid in 2008. The team had been planning to run off-the-shelf McLarens.
Social Bookmarks