Ferrari have managed to overcome the power drop that all power unit manufacturers will face in 2022 as a result of a switch to a new fuel composition, according to reports from Italy.
There will be an estimated 20 horsepower drop next season, but it has been suggested that Ferrari have managed to find a way to counteract the reduction, which is particularly significant considering the engine freeze.
Teams will not be allowed to develop their power units at all next year, which means that whatever specification they put in the backs of their car at the start of the season, they are stuck it with for the entire year.
Ferrari’s fuel partner Shell have been working on the new E10 fuel blend, which consists of 90% fossil fuels, and the rest ethanol.
It has been reported by the Italian edition of Motorsport.com that they have managed to find a solution that gives the Maranello outfit more power than they had in the latter stages of the 2021 season.
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Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto has admitted that their power unit was a “big disadvantage” and recognises the importance of improving their engine’s power.
“If I consider last year, our power unit was a big disadvantage in terms of [a] gap of power, [which was] very obvious in a straight line,” Binotto said, as quoted by RacingNews365.com.
The Italian is delighted at the advancements that Shell have made together with Ferrari, but maintains there is still room for more improvement.
“I think, if we look at today compared to last year, a lot of progress has been made.
“There is a gap to the best, but the gap is reducing and I think that, if I look at what we’ve done, during this entire season with the view to 2022, I’m pretty sure that we will do further improvements.”
Binotto emphasised the significance of the engine freeze and says that his team have been working hard to mitigate its effects.
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“So again, on the power unit, we know that from 2022 onwards, it will be frozen. That’s why I think we push so hard, because it’s critical in terms of overall performance for the future to have a power unit on which we may count and having solid foundations on that.”
The 52-year-old admits that this winter has taken a lot out of his team, and they have had to push harder than ever.
“Pushing means, within the power unit department, it has been a lot of effort in terms of resources, in terms of design but, as well, in terms of innovations.”
Ferrari finished third in the Constructors’ Standings in 2021, with drivers Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc ending the year fifth and seventh, respectively, in the Drivers’ Championship.
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