Lotus Racing and Red Bull Racing Enter into F1 Gearbox Deal

Photo Credit: Lotus Racing

As the 2010 Formula 1 season has methodically drawn to a conclusion with four events still left to run, the freshman efforts of Virgin, HRT F1 and Lotus Racing remains in their own, slower class. In fact, not one car from the three before-mentioned team has even finished in the top-10 of any Formula 1 event. Running spec Xtrac gearboxes and identical Cosworth engines, these teams can operate on a lower-budget but   A tough deal for any hard-working auto racing team to accept season-long, the structurally-strongest member of the freshman contingency of Lotus Racing is already planning a radical shake up for 2011.

Having announced just recently the adoption of the 'Team Lotus' moniker starting next year, the Formula 1 organization has also been shopping for some new competitive hardware, namely an all-new engine. Late last week, Lotus Racing powerplant change for the 2011 season was confirmed  as the team and Cosworth confirmed a break up following the 2010 Formula 1 tour. Replacing Cosworth, questions on what engine manufacturer will supply the British racing green and yellow cars with power has fingered on the French automaker Renault.

Today, the Renault engines for 2011 seems all-but guaranteed through an indirect announcement relating to transmissions and other components. On their official Facebook site and Twitter, Lotus Racing presented a mild bombshell implying current Formula 1 constructor championship points leader Red Bull Racing will supply gearboxes and hydraulic systems to their efforts next season. Since Red Bull Racing runs Renault engines, it seems natural that Team Lotus will try to stay consistent with the dealer team.

Refurbishing their on-track commitment to Formula 1, this accompanies Lotus Cars' flashy appearance at the 2010 Paris Motor Show. Indeed, we should expect some big things from the once world-class sport cars builder.

Formula 1 to Begin Monitoring CO2 Emissions

Photo Credit: Mercedes GP


On Wednesday, the FIA (Federation Internationale de l-Automobile) has commissioned that Formula 1 teams will now be monitored for the amount of CO2 emissions they produce. The program does not only encompass Formula 1 cars but the complex of entire teams as well as the sanctioning body. For example, transportation of vehicle parts from suppliers, usage of power along with other team-related functions will be monitored and calculated. In hopes, as the accounting takes place, teams within the sport will attempt to find methods to reduce their environmental impact.

By doing this, the FIA not only wants to work for teams to reduce CO2 emission production but how Formula 1 could lessen the sport's environmental impact. It is also the intent by these activities to make Formula 1 and other FIA-sanctioned events a benchmark for environmental sustainability in the auto industry.

This CO2 monitoring was a initiative that resulted from a FIA panel established in December 2008. The FIA Environmentally Sustainable Motor Sport Commission was created to examine the effects of Formula 1 and other motorsports had on the globe. Ultimately concluding that auto racing activities had little effect on environmental sustainability, the panel suggested that efforts such as the CO2 monitoring plan can provide a first step showing FIA auto racing as a relevant activity running into the future.

A comprehensive plan within the FIA, changes will likely transpire within the manufacturer chain which may include F1 teams purchasing products closer to their vehicle construction plants. Last season, Formula 1 teams were permitted to use the KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System) technology which allowed the equivalent of a 81 horsepower boost. But, of course, the technology is being phased out for 2011 with only Williams F1 committed to using KERS. Despite the KERS hardware being discontinued after this year, Chief Engineer of McLaren Tom Goss expressed to the Formula 1 official website in May that KERS could return in the future. With a major engine change expected for the 2013 Formula 1 season, the first chance for reducing greenhouse emissions will likely be incorporated in the engine format.