Scuderia Ferrari are rumoured to be working on a revolutionary new “double anchor” injector system that if successful, could be introduced during the 2017 season.
Things have been relatively quiet at Maranello, since President Sergio Marchionne banned all media convergence during testing, having been burnt by comments made pre-season in 2016, when their performance turned out to be way below what had been predicted.
Despite that block on communication however, a leak has managed to make its way into public view, and the news emerging is that Ferrari have been busy testing out new innovations to improve engine performance, linked to controlling fuel injection profile, in a bid to enhance combustion.
There were encouraging signs during last week’s test session at the Circuit de Catalunya-Barcelona, that Ferrari could be about to turn around their recent fortunes, after a dismal 2016 season saw them end the year without a win to their name.
The Maranello based squad topped the times with drivers Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Raikkonen at two out of the four testing days last week, and things ran relatively smoothly for the Italian team, with no real issues apparent.
Double jets are not legal under F1 rules, but the double anchor, which should provide similar benefits, is currently permitted. The double anchor system would allow the injector needle to perform much more accurately, reducing the likelihood of excess fuel entering the chamber.
The aim and major benefit of this concept, is that it should allow for more power output, with less consumption needed, which would be a huge bonus in this hybrid era.
So far, Ferrari have not run the new system on track, but if all goes as planned, the Maranello based squad are likely to introduce it at the same time as another project they have been trialling.
The Turbulent Jet Ignition System, is a new micro-injector design from Magneti Marelli, which is said to be able to ensure the perfect flame for the ignition chamber, to boost performance, whilst at the same time keeping fuel usage to a minimum.
Engine performance is set to be as crucial a factor as aerodynamics this season, despite the new regulations introduced for 2017 focusing on the latter, and Ferrari are hoping to make advancements in both areas, as they look to move forward from their win-less slump this year, and provide a serious challenge to the current world champions.
