24-07-2012, 19:47
Analysis
Image of Gary Anderson Gary Anderson BBC F1 technical analyst
"To fix the loophole, the FIA could write a rule that said: "The accelerator pedal travel will be defined as 0% (minimum) to 100% (maximum) and at any position between these two end stops the percentage torque output of the engine base torque map for the measured engine speed must match the accelerator pedal percentage +/- 1%...
"This would mean the relationship between throttle pedal position and the torque delivery must be linear.
"And the rule could finish by saying: "… and the percentage of throttle body opening must match the accelerator pedal percentage +/- 10%.
"That would mean any change in torque characteristics could not be done by just retarding the ignition - a common method of employing engine braking - while leaving the throttle open to pump air through the engine and exhausts, which is a way of using the exhausts for aerodynamic effect.
"Allowing a margin of +/- 10% provides some leeway for the characteristics of different engines, as all have different operating requirements."
Image of Gary Anderson Gary Anderson BBC F1 technical analyst
"To fix the loophole, the FIA could write a rule that said: "The accelerator pedal travel will be defined as 0% (minimum) to 100% (maximum) and at any position between these two end stops the percentage torque output of the engine base torque map for the measured engine speed must match the accelerator pedal percentage +/- 1%...
"This would mean the relationship between throttle pedal position and the torque delivery must be linear.
"And the rule could finish by saying: "… and the percentage of throttle body opening must match the accelerator pedal percentage +/- 10%.
"That would mean any change in torque characteristics could not be done by just retarding the ignition - a common method of employing engine braking - while leaving the throttle open to pump air through the engine and exhausts, which is a way of using the exhausts for aerodynamic effect.
"Allowing a margin of +/- 10% provides some leeway for the characteristics of different engines, as all have different operating requirements."