Engines off in the pitlane = pretty much the same hybrid homologation test as the ACO imposed on LMP cars, which was travelling the length of the pitlane, at the pitlane speed limit, on electrical power only. As for the V6 angle... 90 degrees would throw it off balance, the balanced V6 configurations are at 60 and 120 degrees of V afaik.
Ok, haven't checked ACO's upcoming rules closely. What comes to the V6s, 90 degrees is not the optimal angle, but since these engines aren't stretched to the max, it'll do. Obviously it's reliable enough if it's the mandatory angle. Then again, on closer thought, I don't know if the 90 or 120 degree angle would be the best choice if it wasn't forced by the rules. 120 has a lower centre of gravity but I'm not sure which is best for packaging and aerodynamics. Then again, even the engine's centre of gravity is forced by the rules, pretty much like everything else...
Ford Prefect said:I?m thinking a decent mechanic can probably do that within an hour or two. Even if you were to calculate his salary with something completely ridiculous like 1000 ?/hr...
I recall reading an article on F1 mechanics' salaries and the number was much lower than I expected. Can't remember what the average amount was, but they're not exactly showering in money.
WillDAQ said:True, but you have to have a set of replacement ratios for each gear, the time it takes to design and manufacture all of those ain't cheap.
The gearboxes still need to be designed for various different ratios, even if you can leave Monaco-like ratios out. If I understand the rules right, you're not allowed to change the gears after every race in 2014 since they are considered a part of the gearbox. If anyone who's had a better look at the 2014 rules can confirm or un-confirm this, I'd appreciate it. If this is the case, the gears need to designed way more durable than now, so there goes the cost effectiveness. And if they can change them after every race, they still need to manufacture the replacement gears so no money saved there either.