Formula One news
Interlagos engine preview - the altitude effect
17 October 2006The long main straight at Interlagos means engine power is a critical factor at this circuit. All the engines, though, must contend with the effects of running at altitude, as the circuit is situation around 800m above sea level. The reduced atmospheric pressure costs the engines around 7% of their power output; as a result, the 67% of the lap spent at full throttle is equivalent to 62% at sea level.
While this reduces the demands on some components such as the pistons, other parts of the engine such as the crankshaft are still subjected to significant loadings. Furthermore, both Renault drivers will benefit from new engines at this race. These units will only have to complete a single race cycle, rather than two weekends, and the performance potential of the engines will be allocated accordingly.
Just as the contrasting mix of straights and slow corners has consequences for the chassis set-up, it also puts the emphasis on particular engine characteristics. A driveable engine is particularly important in the middle sector of the lap, through turns 8/9/10, as the drivers are running in the lowest gears, with sudden changes of direction and throttle and brake inputs.
Smooth power delivery allows them to take the optimum line, without disrupting the balance of the car. The same characteristics bring their rewards in wet conditions as well.
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