I would disregard the first Autosport article (link in the OP) as it is factually wrong.Quote:
Originally Posted by schmenke
These two paragraphs disagree with each other. If the driver is not on the throttle, the throttle is closed: 0%. My understanding of the typical blown diffuser implementation is that the engine maps are altered to retard ignition and maintain fuel flow under the closed throttle condition. This fuel exits through the exhaust as a hot gas, which energises the diffuser airflow. This is all done to maintain a consistent centre of pressure between open-throttle and closed-throttle states; it's got nothing to do with braking. To the driver, this process is invisible.Quote:
High level sources have revealed that the FIA has written to teams informing them that from this weekend's Spanish Grand Prix they will no longer be allowed to continue flowing gases through the engine when the driver is not on the throttle.
It is understood the directive to the teams tells them that, under braking, the throttle input can now be no larger than 10 per cent of its maximum. Some outfits had been gaining aerodynamic benefit from keeping the throttle flow at 100 per cent under braking.
The second article makes more sense:
Perhaps this directive is the result of a "green" concern.Quote:
However, a directive from the FIA clarified that teams were only allowed to use the throttle settings for increasing torque, not for 'aerodynamic performance' - which effectively banned them from keeping gases pushing through the diffuser off-throttle.
Remember this quote from the Australian GP:
Renault blown floor uses 10% more fuel
This means that approximately 10% of the fuel consumed by Red Bull and Renault is spent sticking the car to the ground rather than propelling it, something that doesn't appear environmentally conscious.Quote:
“Since the RS27’s fuel consumption rate is extremely good, the Renault-equipped teams were able to burn 10% more fuel than normal during the Australian Grand Prix without running out of fuel, therefore giving more exhaust flow to its partners using the blown diffuser” a Renault release revealed.
I am not sure that this new directive will reduce consumption though as presumably the Renault teams will simply run richer engine mappings to gain some power and reduce engine temperature during the race — unless carrying 10% less fuel at the start of the race is of greater benefit.