Malaysian Grand Prix: Red Bull might have a new flow meter problem
After a more than resounding disqualification in Australia, the Malaysian Grand Prix would have started on similar grounds, as, once again, Daniel Ricciardo's flow meter would have indicated an exceedance of the limit threshold.
Saga or running joke, in any case, the fuel flow sensors might still be at the heart of discussions during the Malaysian Grand Prix. Auto Motor und Sport indeed indicates that, as in Australia, Daniel Ricciardo’s Red Bull faced new difficulties during Free Practice 1. Thus, the RB10 No. 3 could again be at risk of exceeding the limit threshold.
Red Bull would not be the only team to experience some hiccups related to fuel flow measurement since the sister team, Toro Rosso, is also said to have encountered problems.
For its part, The Times also indicates that Red Bull has spent more than $130,000 on purchasing five new flow meters from Gill Sensors, the manufacturer of these instruments: « We are not going to take risks and we acted independently by purchasing sensors, […] at least one of them will work properly, » stated an anonymous source.
The calibration of a sensor would cost, meanwhile, nearly 26,000 dollars. Which made Helmut Marko say, ironically: « So much for saving money. » One of these new instruments was installed before Free Practice 2.
In Australia, Red Bull knowingly ignored the FIA directives not to lower the fuel flow. But, if the situation arises again, how would the team react? “I don’t know,” answered Christian Horner, the director of the Austrian team, laconically, before suggesting: “Maybe two sensors should be installed in two different locations, and the average value should be read to reduce the risk of incorrect measurements.”
More than ever, to be continued…
