Formula One tests new hybrid engine at Australian Grand Prix
Australian Grand Prix sees new hybrid engines and Energy Recovery Systems used as F1 seeks to reduce environmental impact
New energy efficient measures were tested in Formula One on Sunday and the sport is making significant changes to become more energy efficient.
F1 cars have switched from 2.4 litre V8 engines to 1.6 litre V6 turbocharged hybrid engines for the 2014 season, while an Energy Recovery System (ERS) has also been introduced and the new features were used for the first time at the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne on Sunday.
The fuel capacity of cars used in F1 has decreased from 353 to 220 pounds, which will force drivers to be more economical with fuel usage.
The switch to hybrid engines has been described in some quarters as the biggest change in the sport’s history. Paul Hember, motorsport director at tyre manufacturer Pirelli, called the move the “most radical rules shake-up of the modern Formula One era”.
Autocar’s Grand Prix editor Joe Saward described it as “the biggest news story of all” in the build up to the new season.
He added, “These mean-looking racing cars are not burning up the world’s carbon supplies as much as they once did: they are now lean and green.”
The industry has been researching a variety of ways to reduce its environmental impact, including a transition to different fuels and tyres for instance.
Alternative fuel vehicles have become increasingly popular among ordinary motorists as well and the fuel-efficient car market grew by 7.6 per cent in January compared to last year, while alternative fuel car sales increased by 25 per cent.