Renault does not feel any discomfort with the new rules

For several years, the FIA has aimed to limit costs in F1. This approach has resulted, among other measures, in the requirement to use the same V8 engine for two Grand Prix and in the freezing of engine technical specifications. Looking ahead to the next season, the regulator has gone even further, as it now requires the use of the same gearbox for four races.

The penalties will be severe for offenders: in the event of an unforeseen change, the driver whose car has undergone an intervention will be demoted by 5 positions on the starting grid. Only sprockets can be changed, but the replacement parts must be of identical specification.

Furthermore, the teams will have to prove that these were damaged in order to use new ones.

« These changes may seem significant, but they do not constitute an insurmountable problem for us. », says Tim Densham, chief designer at Renault.

« To begin with, the technical regulations impose a huge number of parameters that we just have to comply with. Then, our reliability was excellent regarding the gearbox last year. »

The transmission, therefore, should not undergo any major design changes. However, its operation will need to be optimized to prevent any malfunction.

« On this subject, mastering the new control software, which comes with the standard electronic unit, will be a priority. », continues Densham.

It remains to be seen whether, to maintain reliability over four races, transmissions will be used in a conservative mode and at a lower speed. That is not our intention, he concluded.

« The 2008 gearbox should be just as fast as last season’s. »

According to the ING Renault F1 Team