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<body> <Table Width="550" border="0" style="border-collapse: collapse" cellpadding="0"><TR><TD Width="35"><IMG SRC="//www.totalmotorsport.com/images/spacer.gif" WIDTH="35" HEIGHT="1"></td><td> <CENTER><Table border="0" width="100%"> <TR><TD width="100%" align="center"><B><FONT FACE="Tahoma" SIZE="5">FIA SPORTSCAR CHAMPIONSHIP</FONT></B></TD></TR> <TR><TD width="100%" align="left"><B><FONT FACE="Tahoma" SIZE="2">21/08/2001</FONT></B></TD></TR> <TR><TD width="100%" align="center"><B><FONT FACE="Tahoma" SIZE="4">Balancing</FONT></B></TD></TR> <TR><TD width="100%" align="center"><B><FONT FACE="Tahoma" SIZE="3">333SP Power & Performance</FONT></B></TD></TR> <TR><TD width="100%" align="center"><img border="1" src="Storage/cing333SFIA.jpg"></TD></TR> <TR><TD width="100%" align="center"><FONT FACE="Tahoma" SIZE="1">  </FONT></TD></TR> <TR><TD width="100%" align="left"><FONT FACE="Tahoma" SIZE="2">We suggested here in the Magny-Cours reports that the Ferrari 333 SPs with the ‘standard’ Ferrari V12 engine were hit with a restrictor reduction at Magny-Cours. That isn’t the case: the reduction is due to be implemented at Mondello Park early next month.<BR> <BR> A source close to the BMS Scuderia Italia team (the only ones running the standard 333 SP) explains that “BMS is obviously against the restrictor size change; we do not believe our cars are superior, as some are claiming. The Ferrari engine output is now (producing) 555 bhp, with the smaller restrictor it should go down to around 540.”<BR> <BR> The suggestion has been made that rival engines are producing anything up to 620 bhp. BMS would claim that their performance comes from optimising the chassis set-up, to make full use of the power available. BMS worked very hard over the winter, using laser sensors and suspension load cells, in two sessions on an airfield, to refine the aerodynamics on their 333 SPs. Despite this work – or because of their relative lack of power - the faster BMS car was only sixth on the grid at Monza. It has been closer to the front on slower circuits, but the team are adamant that their cars lose out on acceleration and top speed. Therefore, the cars must be gaining time in the corners, which is logically a factor of constant development of the excellent chassis.<BR> <BR> The Ferrari V12 has a notable fuel consumption handicap relative to the other engines, RISI’s John McLoughlin explaining several months ago that it uses “20% more fuel” than rival units. So the Ferrari has to use the third ‘compulsory’ pit stop in the FIA SCC to take on a considerable fuel load to allow it to complete the race, whereas other engines can usually make a 150 minute race on two stops plus a 'splash'.<BR> <BR> The main objection to the Ferraris would seem to be that BMS are too successful at running them. Despite higher fuel consuumption and therefore longer pit stops, plus considerably less power, the Ferrari carries on winning against newer chassis – and leads the Championship, again.<BR> <BR> In a recent interview on this site, John Mangoletsi explained that from the start of last season, the Ferrari V12 had its restrictors reduced by 0.5mm, compared to the 1.0mm of the Judd V10 – “as Ferrari had declared that they were stopping development of their engine and as the overall reduction in restrictors would marginally affect their V12 more than a V10.” He further explained that, “in line with our policy of teams getting a respectable life from their cars, the advantage of 13 hp or 0.2 seconds was more of a token than a serious attempt to balance performance.”<BR> <BR> The regulations state that "in order to maximise equality of performance, the FIA reserves the right to adjust the following: a) handicap weights, b) boost pressure limits, c) air restrictor sizes...." <BR> <BR> Now it seems that the “token” is being taken away, so it becomes a serious attempt to maximise equality of performance. It will be very interesting to see where the BMS Ferraris sit on the Mondello grid.<BR> <BR> <BR> </FONT></TD></TR> </TABLE><BR> </CENTER> <BR><CENTER><font size="1" color="#808080" face="Tahoma">Copyright ©2000-©2023 TotalMotorSport</font></CENTER> </td> </tr> </table> </body>