Race Engine Technology magazine SECU Martin Whitmarsh NAR Group 2008 Mercedes V8

Ian Bamsey considers contemporary Formula One powertrain technology. Traditionally Formula One car performance progresses from one season to the next primarily through a combination of tyre, engine and aerodynamic development. In 2008 the cars are running on the same Bridgestone control tyre as before and the engines are essentially unchanged. In fact, if anything there has been a loss from the powertrain. The introduction of a ‘spec’ Single Electronic Control Unit (SECU) to run it has not affected the small gain that all the major players have made in recent years through seamless gearshift systems but it has cost traction control and engine braking assist. However, the tiny loss of lap time that represents will be dwarfed by the gains made over the winter by the aerodynamicists. The 2008 cars will be faster, even if they are no more powerful and are more challenging to drive. Ref: Race Engine Technology magazine Single Electronic Control Unit (SECU) Mercedes Benz High Performance Engines (MBHPE) Martin Whitmarsh NAR Group 2008 Mercedes V8