- Renault
Fuel consumption will be 'on the limit' in Singapore - Renault
Renault is expecting fuel consumption to be on the limit at this weekend's Singapore Grand Prix, with the stop-start nature of the track meaning it is one of the most challenging races of the year.
Under the 2014 regulations, the V6 turbo power units are limited to just 100kg of fuel over the course of a race but are much more efficient and draw on more power from energy recovery systems. Much like city driving in a road car, the constant braking and acceleration around the streets of Singapore means fuel consumption is high and could be close to the limit during the race.
"These short bursts of power naturally require good torque response and driveability but they also bring fuel consumption well up," Renault's head of track operations Remi Taffin said. "In fact we will use the largest amount of fuel per lap over the season here and we will be right on the limit of the 100kg permitted. To put this in context, last year we used 150kg of fuel - over 30% more. Here, more than anywhere else, shows the advances we have made in efficiency."
Taffin said the stop start nature of the track also provides a workout for the MGU-K part of the energy recovery system.
"The Energy Store and MGU-K are really put through their paces. Each braking event is long and hard, particularly around the 'hotel' section through the grandstands, where the K will be able to recover enough energy to keep the battery at a relatively high level of charge throughout the lap. In contrast, the MGU-H is used a little less as the short straights between the corners do not really offer ample time for the exhaust to develop a steady flow."
However, Taffin is hoping Renault's hard work on its energy recovery system will pay off this weekend.
"Singapore should suit the Renault Energy F1-2014 far more than the previous two tracks. We've made good progress in energy recovery and management and these two elements are key to success here. We know the competition will still have an edge, but we expect to be closer here than we were at Monza. Getting a good position in qualifying, which should be possible, will set the tone for the race so the focus will be to maximize the one-lap pace and start as far forward as possible."
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