9 replies to this topic

[kodandaram]

Sauber use one year old Ferrari engines albeit updated by the Petronas Technicians - but I have always wondered how the people at Petronas are capable of doing anything to an engine that is deemed as a "cast-away" unit. I mean , technically what changes can they make ? Is there any technical arrangement between Ferrari and Petronas ? since I don't think Ferrari will let some firm to fiddle with their engine even if they are two or more years old.

If the engine used by Ferrari is an evolution of the one they used the previous year then Sauber will basically be using almost the same engine the next year isn't it ? How can Petronas extract more from and engine that has already been evolved ? like how it may turn out to be in 2002 for sauber. Ferrari used an evo in 01 so sauber will be basically using the same evo in 2002 right ? I don't see how they can be further updated since the people at Ferrari will have extracted the max from an engine efore casting it away .

Can Petronas manage to replace the worn out parts like maybe some bearings and worn piston rings ? Do Petronas have a website of their own ?

[100cc]

I doubt petronas is involved in any development of the engine.

[tim]

I think they just badge the engine, like Acer (Prost) in 2001.

[random]

The primary connection between Sauber and Petronas is sponsoree and sponsor. Petronas pays money to Sauber for the privilege of being the manufacturer of record of their engines.

Ferrari has a complete staff dedicated to customer engine construction and rebuilding. I do not believe Petronas has any technical input on the engines.

The only technical item I believe Petronas supplies to Sauber is petrol.

[Rene]

Im sorry to disagree with my fellow board members, but I read an article a few months ago (6 or 7) outlining the changes that Sauber technicians make to the Ferrari engines, to improve the horsepower/bhp. Although the engine is badged Petronas, the techs working on the engine, were in fact Sauber employees. Sauber has a whole team (5-10 people I believe) dedicated to enhancing the engines they recieve from Ferrari. I will try to dig up the article and post a link...

[Ursus]

From what I've read, only Ferrari tecnichians are allowed to touch the engines. Sauber also have a trailer that says 'Ferrari personell only' on the doors

[TAB666]

i dont know what to think. But Sauber are making engines for next years Motogp. And what i have read it uses f1-technology.

[jpf]

I think what this thread needs are some substantiated claims

Having said that, I seem to remember that in 2001, Ferrari provided all preparation, maintenance and rebuilds, as well as tuning. But, prior to 2001, Sauber Petronas Engineering did the engine tuning, maintenance, etc. So I think both sides are right, depending on the year. But currently it's a hands-off arrangement.

[scarbs]

JPF is right, In previous years Sauber and Ex ferrariHonda man Osamu Goto prepared the engines them selves, for 2001 Ferrari provided the full angine and transmission support package, along with technical suport on its installation structurally and cooling wise. It's not surprising to find that with a world championship Ferrari rear end decent aero and some devleopment during the season Sauber beat many more experienced and resourced teams....
Petronas have gone into MotoGPs new four stroke formula with a inline (transverse) triple, this diversion may have been allowed with the move to Ferrari managed engines.

[moog101]

The MotoGP engine has actually been shelved now, in favour of a 4 year WSB assault (with suitably scaled down technology, and a road bike promised). The FIM would not allow them a provisional place on the GP500 grid for next year without a promise of a full team entry. The new team is being run by Carl Fogarty..