Soldato
That being the same park ferme that allows Red Bull to regularly change half the internals of the gearbox without penalty.
United States Grand Prix 2013, Austin - Race 18/19
- Thread starter Duke
- Start date
There are certain things they can change in the gearbox without penalty. However, I can see your point. They are sealed for a reason.
[edit]
From the F1 Tech Regs
9.5 Gearboxes :
9.5.1 A gearbox is defined as all the parts in the drive line which transfer torque from the engine crankshaft to the drive shafts (the drive shafts being defined as those components which transfer drive torque from the sprung mass to the un-sprung mass). It includes all components whose primary purpose is for the transmission of power or mechanical selection of gears, bearings associated with these components and the casing in which they are housed.
9.5.2 In this context the following parts are not considered part of the gearbox and may be changed without incurring a penalty under the F1 Sporting Regulations. If changing any of these parts involves breaking an FIA applied seal this may be done but must be carried out under FIA supervision :
- The clutch assembly and any shaft connecting the clutch to the crankshaft or first motion shaft of the gearbox, provided this is located prior to any mechanical speed reduction from the engine.
- The clutch actuator and clutch release bearing(s).
- Inboard driveshaft joints and seals but not their housing if that housing is integral with the gearbox output shaft and therefore part of the sprung mass.
- The hydraulic system prior to the point at which it produces direct mechanical movement of the gear selection mechanism by means of hydraulic actuator(s).
- Oil, oil pumps, oil filters, oil seals, oil coolers and any associated hoses or pipes.
- Electrical sensors, actuators, servo valves and wiring.
- Any parts associated with the suspension or functioning of the sprung suspension that are attached to the gearbox casing.
- The rear impact structure provided it can be separated from any gearbox casing.
- Any other component mounted to the casing whose primary purpose is unconnected with the transmission of power or selection of gears.
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Soldato
Sealed should mean sealed. End of.
RB have been merrily replacing dog rings and other bits for the last three or four races.
RB have been merrily replacing dog rings and other bits for the last three or four races.
As Ted said, it is maintenance though, they should tighten the rules in my opinion.
Soldato
Is this a precursor to the usual 'you're car is about to blow up' radio messages Rocky sends to Vettel to generate a bit of excitement when he's 30 seconds up as per usual?
Soldato
So did they actually change anything in the gearbox, or did they just open it up, look to see if its going to fail, and then close it back up without changing anything.
Soldato
Yeah, the gearbox rules are for cost saving, can't see how this saves much.
They changed the longitudinal oil shuttle valve in the box.
Ferrari deliberately dropped Massa 5 places last year by breaking the seal on a gearbox. Yet now breaking the seal is allowed in the rules? What's changed? And whats the point in a seal if it can be broken without penalty.
Marussia did the same thing, same question there. At what stage does checking become maintenance?
Soldato
I usually support the Brits almost regardless of their ability but boy is it hard with Di Resta the guy's a charisma free zone and a right moaner to make things worse!
Had a lot of hype about him when he first burst on the scene but can't say I've seen anything in the 3 seasons he's had to make an impression that he's really anything to write home about.
Soldato
Thats a damn good point. I don't understand what RBR have done is any different to that. Odd.
They replaced a shuttle valve.
As with everything like this, the problem is the rules. Anyone could do what RBR have done, its not RBRs fault.