why are they using detuned v10? i thought they were v8 next year or is this a stupid question?

 

they are using V8's next year, unless they cannot afford to and then would be allowed to use a detuned V10. this is just testing, as most teams havent made a fully working V8 yet. it looks like Toro Rosso, midland, and the new team super aguri (if they make it) will use V10s. trouble is, the top teams recon the detuned V10's have a power advantage over the V8's. there is an investigation going on. to run a detuned V10, all teams would have to allow it, and at present, it doesnt look like they will.

 

The current F1 technical regulations may be found on the web site of the FIA

HERE.

The particular rule in question currently reads

QUOTE Article 5.2 Alternative engines
For 2006 and 2007 only, the FIA reserves the right to allow any team to use an engine complying with the 2005 regulations, provided its maximum crankshaft rotational speed does not exceed a limit fixed from time to time by the FIA so as to ensure that such an engine will only be used by a team which does not have access to a competitive 2.4 litre V8 engine"
In other words, it's a complete bodge up by people who, not having much of a clue what they are doing, carefully reserve the right to change their minds (and the regulations) whenever they feel like it.

 

Mario Thiessen says that to get more than 750bhp from one of the new V8s would cost NASA-style money. Ferrari reckons it is at 700bhp and aiming to have 750 by early next year - although this will of course be right on the limit of reliability and the V8s vibrate a lot which today's horrid little cars don't like very much.

A top-flight V10 was churning out around 940-950bhp this year.

The question is, though, what a 'competitive' V8 engine might be - as defined by the FIA. As with all FIA regs this is just one great big grey area. Suppose Ferrari or Ilmor build a V8 that's realtively quick but doesn't last more than three laps... is that competitive?

All very interesting stuff I feel, and it will help the winter months go by, but the only hope must be that we carry on the upward path when it comes to quality of racing.

2005 was good - Michael's performances were virtuoso virtually every race, Gonzo not only 'did the job' for the title but showed his mettle a few times, JPM was entertaining and the Kimster never lost interest in his day job did he? If these four all end up with equipment that can run at roughly the same pace then all will be well with the world.