Formula 2 engines recalled for tests
Formula 2 teams have been given special dispensation to attempt practice starts before the next race weekend once they have received an updated engine, clutch and ECU.
F2 recalled every powerplant from all teams after last weekend’s Silverstone round, so that they can be dyno-tested by engine supplier Mecachrome. Teams will be given all of the updates by next week, along with a set of supersoft tyres, and can attempt 100km of practice starts in a bid to perfect the procedure ahead of the Hungaroring round on July 27-29. The FIA and F2 will be able to analyse the data to ensure that the teams don’t use the mileage to lap a circuit.
“The idea is to come back to a normal start for Budapest,” said series boss Bruno Michel. “The main thing we noticed is we have to do something on the engine because we didn’t have enough torque at the start of the biting point, which is complicated.”
F2 will also run its test car at Magny-cours and Paul Ricard before Hungary to help perfect the system.
The FIA’S Charlie Whiting added: “I have a high level of confidence in the changes that have been made.”
ART Grand Prix drivers George Russell and Jack Aitken will be hoping that the update works for the pitlane limiter too, after both were penalised five seconds for speeding in last weekend’s feature race.
“It seems like after the pull-away [from the pitbox] the speed goes over 60km/h, before returning to the speed limit,” said Russell. “Because we are in the last box in the pitlane, we keep accelerating as we exit the pitlane, and we don’t have the opportunity [enough distance] to return to normal.
“We believe the other teams’ speeds return to normal before the pit exit and it looks like that’s why they haven’t been penalised.”
Aitken (below) would have scored a point for
10th place had he not received the penalty. Another contentious indiscretion for a virtual safety car infringement meant that his eighth place on the road in the feature race – which should have bagged him the reversed-grid pole – was converted to 13th position.