DOWN ON POWER?
Sauber will race year-old Ferrari engines in 2017, though it will be supplied with Maranello’s latest 2016 powertrain specification, which was introduced at the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
Looking at the recent example of Toro Rosso, whose performance dropped off as the season unfolded last year, running an old-spec power unit does not seem to be the ideal solution in terms of competitiveness, though the decision makes sense financially.
Despite the aero overhaul slated for 2017, engine proficiency continues to play a vital role this year, as more power is needed to propel cars that are 26kg heavier and generating 20 percent more downforce, as well as more drag due to Pirelli’s wider tyres.
The surge in downforce will result in longer periods of open throttle, leading to higher demands and constraints on the power plants.
What’s more, engine gaps should grow even bigger with the end of the tokens system that used to limit the scope of development. Honda and Renault have both seized the opportunity to introduce a new design this year after reaching the conclusion that their previous architectures offered too little room for improvement.
Zander, however, labels the Ferrari 059/5 power unit as “a tried and tested system with higher durability to begin with”.
One of the distinctive features on the C36 is the return of the shark fin engine cover, previously seen in F1 over the 2008-10 period. The design helps streamline the airflow so the rear wing can work more efficiently.
Sitting 150mm lower on 2017-spec chargers, the wing is now more exposed to turbulences, hence the handiness of cleaning the airflow thanks to the shark fin.
