Formula One news

Engine freeze was major challenge - White

The FIA's decision to impose a freeze on engine development late last year was one of the most difficult challenges the Renault team had to overcome in the design of its R27 car, according to engine chief Rob White.

"I think that the most difficult thing was to throw out the plans and the development for the new 2007 engine, and then having to start from a new set of priorities," White said. "On 18th September 2006, the FIA decided that the end-of-season engines would serve as the basis for this year with only a few modifications allowed; In fact, we had started designing a new engine and had found a power gain by increasing the revs. All this work was reduced to nothing by the limit fixed at 19 000 rpm."

"In two months we had to draw up a completely new spec, decide on the modifications to be made to optimise the engine in the framework of the new regs, validate them and then submit them to the Federation," he explained.

more news

• 27 Nov.
  • Wurz plays down USF1 link
  • Renault to test Baguette, Tung and Di Grassi
  • Alonso makes second visit to Ferrari
  • Force India confirms Sutil and Liuzzi
  • All new teams now FOTA members
  • Sauber buys team back from BMW
  • De la Rosa pushing for race drive
  • Ecclestone: I won't buy Donington
  • Haug becomes part of F1 in Schools
  • Volkswagen to provide F1 engines?
  • Jerez test: The cast
• 26 Nov.
  • Alguersuari: 2010 contract is signed
  • Conway and Ericsson to test for Mercedes
  • 4 driver options left for Lotus
  • 'F1 in need of Schumacher return' - Verstappen
• 25 Nov.
  • 'Fantastic opportunity' - Di Resta on Force India test
  • Recap: N.Technology court bid fails
  • BMW testers excited about Jerez
  • Brawn disappointed with Button drives, ponders Lauda
  • Piquet to drive in Massa kart race
  • Brawn aero chief wins award
  • Gillett disappointed with government position
  • Mercedes hopes to confirm line-up by Christmas
• 24 Nov.
  • Briatore verdict expected in January
  • Donington still hopeful over F1 race
  • Montreal race confirmation imminent
  • Massa names drivers for karting event
  • Campos car passes FIA safety tests
  • Strong test could seal drive, says Mallya
  • Force India to test di Resta and Hildebrand
  • Courts to hear Briatore case
  • Silverstone GP deal forthcoming
• 23 Nov.
  • GPUpdate TV: Sam Michael - building on 2009
  • Theissen waiting on entry decision
  • Mercedes delighted with Rosberg confirmation
  • Confirmed: Rosberg to Mercedes for 2010
  • Manor hoping to run in late January
  • Mercedes poised to announce first driver
  • Kobayashi: I expected to be re-signed
  • Nakajima future in Toyota's hands

Homepage