Yasuaki Asagi, Honda’s Formula 1 power unit chief, claims that its rivals are downplaying the change of fuel. He claims that other manufacturers are also facing power recovery issues after switching to a more sustainable fuel.
Formula 1 sport aims to shifts itself to a more sustainable and eco-friendly sport. As a part of it, F1 has demanded the teams to utilize E10 fuel from 2022 on-wards. E10 is a mixture of ethanol and fossil fuel with a ratio of 10 and 90 percents respectively.
The manufacturers has expected the loss of power due to the change of fuel. But, few manufacturer have suggested that they were able to over-come these losses.
However, Asagi is skeptical of these claims. He has served during Red Bull engagement with Honda for power units.
Asagi refused to quantify the power loss for 2022 because of fuel change. He claimed: “That’s a secret.
“It seems that other companies say it’s about the same. But, on the contrary, making such an announcement means that it’s difficult to get the same power as last year.”
Asagi shared the difficulties faced by his team due to change of fuel. However, he claims that it also added some benefits.
“The response to E10 fuel is the largest [challenge],” he said. “The engine architecture had already been set (with the new 2021 power unit). So, we have made changes to bring out the best performance with E10 fuel.
“When it comes to E10 fuel, the power and energy that it has with the same weight are reduced. That is the characteristic of alcohol fuel.
“On the other hand, the abnormal combustion (knocking) of the old fuel will be easier to control now.
“We are aiming for maximum efficiency. But with E10 fuel, the power of the engine will also decrease. And the amount of power generation will also decrease.”
Additionally, Asagi confirmed about the power-unit finalization.
“There are always small details and corrections if there are problems. But if you hadn’t finished the concept or the basics by the end of last year, you would not be in time for the season.”
