Less powerful engines in Brazil

The Brazilian Grand Prix at the end of the week will be a challenge for the drivers of F1? but also for cars. Thus, the engines of the single-seaters will have to be adapted to the characteristics of the Interlagos circuit, which is located at an altitude of 800 meters. “ Lower atmospheric pressure costs approximately 8% of engine power », confirms Rémi Taffin, engine operations manager at Renault F1 Team. " Despite this loss of power, altitude actually has a positive effect on the engine because the moving parts suffer less. Less air enters the engine and that means there is less pressure and less stress on the pistons, connecting rods, crankshaft and all the elements that are moving. »

In addition, the engine mapping will be worked on during the Interlagos weekend in order to optimize the arrival of power at low revs. “ There are two or three turns at very low speed which require a lot of flexibility from the engine from 8 to 000 rpm, continues Rémi Taffin. The very gradual arrival of power will guarantee good chassis balance and will allow performance to be found in the second sector, which is very winding. »