Virgin fuel tank too small

[boycieboy]

Just read this on a tweet from suttonimages

Just heard from a source that the Virgin car will not finish the race! as there Fuel tank is too small to finish it!

If it is true, then it is a massive oversight in the design!
Will make for an intersting race though

[TheArchitect]

need more to back this up as i cant believe it!

[furtive]

I can't believe it either. What shocking use of "there".

[Mini1275]

and if it's true

[hairyben]

I would have thought the teams would all be using motoGP type fuel management, ie the computer/pitwall adjusts the fueling and restricts power if ness to complete the race?

Edited by hairyben on Wednesday 10th March 13:11

[IainT]

Could it be a case of the tank size not being appropriate for the current fuel-usage of the engine rather than being smaller than their compatition?

Bad planning if it is but I'd like to see this from a referncable source.

[n3il123]

hairyben said:

I would have thought the teams would all be using motoGP type fuel management, ie the computer/pitwall adjusts the fueling and restricts power if ness to complete the race?

Edited by hairyben on Wednesday 10th March 13:11

I believe that two way telemetry is banned so the car can only send back data, so would have to be done by the driver adjusting the maps from the cockpit.

[snotrag]

n3il123 said:

I believe that two way telemetry is banned so the car can only send back data, so would have to be done by the driver adjusting the maps from the cockpit.

They do this all the time - listen to the radio, the mechanics tell the drivers to 'swith to fuel map 4' etc etc.

[DangerousMike]

I saw that too. Its hard to believe - they could surely end up with a marginal tank if the fuel consumption figures from cosworth were a bit inaccurate? but one that is "too small"?? or is it that the tanks have an intricate shape for which its hard to calculate the volume? Is it a case of "best guess" and then measure its capacity once you've designed and built it?

[A911DOM]

Hang on, let me check the calendar... Nope its not April 1st yet!

Is this Bransons idea of greener, more fuel efficient motor sport - If we dont go as far as everyone else we'll save fuel and we'll be eco winners?!

Oh dear - not a great start is it, and how much scope do they have for development / approval / testing it now?

[CastrolCraig.]

n3il123 said:

hairyben said:

I would have thought the teams would all be using motoGP type fuel management, ie the computer/pitwall adjusts the fueling and restricts power if ness to complete the race?

Edited by hairyben on Wednesday 10th March 13:11

I believe that two way telemetry is banned so the car can only send back data, so would have to be done by the driver adjusting the maps from the cockpit.

its banned in motogp.

the bikes use very very advanced electronics, the ducati being the prime example.

once its bedded in, the sytem can work out current fuel load, current consumption and reduce engine performance to the point where it can make sure the bike gets to the end of the race, then when it realises it has, it gives the engine free reign to break all hell loose. hence why stoner usually ges faster after the forst 8-10 laps.

[Vladimir Pukin]

Maybe Dicky B will jump onto the track to push his cars across the line (while having a massive Virgin logo on his back - it's all exposure you know).

[DangerousMike]

i also heard that cosworth's target wad "the power of mercedes with fuel efficiency of Renault." They didn't finalise their engine until the 1st of March... and they said they have achieved their targets with it... so it sounds like a good engine.

[cmsapms]

........Well, we are all supposed to be driving five miles a week less!

[Stedman]

Bahaha

[ajprice]

http://twitter.jamesallenonf1.com/search?q=Virgin

suttonimages "Just heard from a source that the Virgin car will not finish the race! as there Fuel tank is too small to finish it!"

tabathavalls "What??????? RT @suttonimages Just heard from a source that the Virgin car will not finish the race as Fuel tank is too small to finish it!"

VirginRacing "We've heard the rumours too - obviously a slow Wednesday!"

Edited by ajprice on Wednesday 10th March 13:44

[hairyben]

n3il123 said:

hairyben said:

I would have thought the teams would all be using motoGP type fuel management, ie the computer/pitwall adjusts the fueling and restricts power if ness to complete the race?

Edited by hairyben on Wednesday 10th March 13:11

I believe that two way telemetry is banned so the car can only send back data, so would have to be done by the driver adjusting the maps from the cockpit.

yeah bad afterthought/edit on my part to drop "pitwall" in. What I was thinking was the cars onboard computers will be controlling consumption to a pre-determined plan, plus the pitwall will be monitoring it too and advising the driver to adjust if ness.

[chris_w]

Would be quite a good way for Mr.Branson to get some valuable TV time - send the car out with enough fuel for 30 laps and streak away from the rest of the field...

[Mermaid]

Surely Dickie will find a way of enlarging the Virgin tank.

[petergb]

I imagine they have just made an allowance for finishing 3 or 4 laps down on the winner?