Power reductions being clawed back elsewhereF1`s V8 engines of 2006 pack about 200 less horsepower than the V10s of last year, but even still the cars have not significantly slowed down.
Drivers may complain about the power loss, but the bare statistics are telling a different story. Take, for example, Sauber.
With the V10 Ferrari-powered C24 in July 2005, Felipe Massa clocked a best time at Jerez of about 1:17s.
Albeit now owned and powered by BMW, Nick Heidfeld - at the wheel of the `06-spec F1.06 on Wednesday - powered around the same Spanish track with a best lap time of 1:17.5s; just half a second slower. In the rear of the car, of course, is a V8.
There are a few explanations for this. First, the new Sauber is thought to be inherently a better car. But while the V8s put out less power, they are also smaller, giving more freedom for the work of aerodynamicists.
Moreover, a V8 runs cooler than a V10, allowing for gains in the cooling departments - such as side pod size - and therefore better weight distribution via ballast through lighter parts.
And, of course, 2006`s tyre regulations are actually increasing mid-corner speeds, because the shorter-life boots are softer and therefore more adhesive.
"We are as quick with the V8 motor," BMW Sauber`s Jacques Villeneuve confirmed to Swiss newspaper Blick, "as we were with the old Sauber with a V10."
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