6 replies to this topic

[Wishbone]

Hi , newbie here, be gentle.

I've just read an article about the new fuel rigs that sound faster but more dangerous and that were 'pioneered' by Ferrari.
I seem to remember one other occasion when a team modified its rig ( I'm sure there's no connection ).
How can teams be allowed to change something like that? Surely it should be a standard rig for each team so that it's safe and fair.

[f li]

Wishbone,

"I'm sure that there's no connection." Was that a wish?

The "Nearly Roasted Dutchman" incident was traced back to "not authorized by the team" modifications of the approved fueling rig by a "junior member" of the Benetton team.

It would be wrong for me to draw your conclusions as to whether there is any connection, so please draw your own.

[mono-posto]

Yeah the incident your refuring to was a improper or missing filter that was not approved by the FIA.

Ferrari's new fuel delivery system has been fully evaluated by the FIA nad approved for use. Apparently they have found it to be just as safe as current systems, and we (not to mention the drivers and crew) have no choice but to trust them. A 'decoupling under flow' may sound scary as hell to us but I have no idea how it actually works. Let's just hope that the system is indeed safe. If it is effective and safe it will be no time at all before other teams are copying the system. I just hope no-one has to get toasted to find out that it doesn't work.

[Mila]

it's very much not safe, if, as I understand it, the hose--instead of being empty--will hold fuel when the nozzle is removed. therefore, if a lollypop man or driver get their signals crossed, and the rig is still engaged as the driver attempts to leave the stall, then it follows that the hose would be prone to tearing apart, resulting in fuel spill and fire.

we've seen this a few times in CART.

I will leave it to a member of the Ron Dennis paranoia team to state that the Ferraris will require more fuel, so the FIA allowed for the modification in order to lessen their handicap on refueling time.

[mono-posto]

OK.
The press release NEVER said that Ferrari would be the only team using this system and they won't be. ALL of the teams next year will be using it, so all the conspiracy theorists can go back to cooking up some new rumor. Anyone who believes the garbage that the FIA allows Ferrari to do whatever they please has never taken the time to examine the facts or they interprut the facts however thet see fit.

According to the press release, Ferrari helped pioneer this new 'decoupling under flow' system which will be ready for use in this season. Which means all the teams will be using it. How do I know? Take the time to read the FIA Technical Regulations:

6.5.1) All refueling during the race must be carried out using equipment which has been supplied by the FIA designated manufacturer. This manufacturer will be required to supply identical refueling systems, the complete specification of which will be available from the FIA no later than one month prior to the first championship event.

So how does Ferrari benefit? Had McLaren helped to develop this system, would people be saying that the FIA has some conspiracy that benefits them? I think not. I am sure that the system has been tested up and down and found to be safe. The FIA is not out for blood or to kill anyone. Stop being foolish. And since none of us really have any technical information requarding this, we are not in a position to start saying, "Oh someones going to get fried!" or that it's not safe. That is all just wild speculation and heresay without any facts.

Oh. By the way, Welcome to the board Wishbone!

[This message has been edited by mono-posto (edited 03-10-2000).]

[PDA]

The point about the new, higher rate delivery, fuel rigs is to reduce the re-fuelling time to less than the time needed to change the tyres. This will result in the tyre changing crew determining the length of pit stop, therefore making it a competition between crews. Previously, the pit stop length was determined by the amount of fuel loaded, and was fairly even between teams. Now there will be a higher rate of competition.

Personally, I don;t approve. I think, like one or two others on this thread, that F1 pit stops are a fatal accident waiting to happen. IMO, refuelling should be banned, and the number used in tyre changing should be greatly reduced - 12 people to change 4 wheels is a bit ridiculous, not counting two jack men and one lolipop man

[Incal]

I'm with PDA and Jackie Stewart on refuelling it should be banned. Unfortunately Jackie Stewart is right on the timing of such a move.