A reliability problem, some engines more powerful than others? "There will always be these remarks"

Oliver Goethe in Qatar, Isack Hadjar in qualifying in Austria, Richard Verschoor in Monaco when he was playing for the win... These are some examples of drivers from F2 who were victims of technical setbacks last season. Each time the same “culprit”: the V6 produced by Mecachrome.

Inevitably, in the paddock, some grumble because this kind of problem happens every year. Some are lucky and escape it. Others are not. At the upper levels, the managers are aware of it even if they seek to minimize the impact. According to them, reliability has greatly evolved over time, and in the right direction. We work closely with Mecachrome, assures Bruno Michel, boss of Formula Motorsport Limited, promoter of F2 and the F3.

Not because of problems but because they are our partner for the last twenty years. Regarding the reliability problems that are being discussed, if we count those that have occurred this season, we have 5 or 6 engines affected, including our two championships, F2 and F3. That's more than 50 cars. (52 precisely: 22 in F2 and 30 in F3. Editor’s note), 20 races for each category (28 in F2 and 20 in F3. Editor’s note). So I don't think you can call it a major problem. When it happens as it did with Richard Verschoor in Monaco, it's a disaster. There's no doubt about that. But overall, the figure is not very high. »

An update coming, and conspiracy theories

To address this, the developer and supplier communicate regularly with a common goal: to enable the V6 to be as robust as possible. Thus, both parties " constantly improving the engine "For example, this 2025 season will mark the debut of a new version of the Mecachrome. " I am very happy with the season I have had with Mecachrome., continues Bruno Michel. In the past we had more problems (related to reliability) than nowadays. So it's positive from that point of view.

[About 2025] It's not a new engine per se. We're making some changes to the injection system.. » Another step, probably in the right direction to further reduce risks but not necessarily to reassure competitors, who, in addition to reliability, often point out irregularities that do not go both ways, some believing they receive less “competitive” equipment. Rumors refuted within the general staff with very precise explanations, especially highlighting the teams and drivers who manage to find the best settings to optimize the car… and the engine.

« About conspiracy theories, it's quite funny, explains Bruno Michel. I have never heard a driver tell me he has a good engine. Everyone says they have the worst engine in the field. (Laughs).

We carefully monitor the performance of our engines, all of them are within a window that is controlled by the FIA. Every year, the Federation draws lots for the distribution of engines. When we make an engine change in the middle of the season, because some (used) must be rebuilt, there is once again a draw managed by the FIA.

If a team is not happy with its engine, it has the possibility to ask for a test run, unless it is a series of two consecutive race weekends because there is not enough time. In this case, we send the engine back to Mecachrome where the FIA ​​is present for the checks. If the engine is outside this window, we of course make a change. Otherwise, we keep it and in addition we charge the team for the test run. That's how it works.

We will always hear people say that this or that was faster in a straight line, than this, than that… Nobody knows what the settings of the cars are. Some may have less downforce, others more… It is impossible to know, even between teammates! I am rather calm about that. I know that there will always be these kinds of remarks. That's how it is in the promotion formulas. We are less impacted by these kinds of rumors than lower categories. » Enough to convince all the actors?

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