» Red Bull in strife over engine mapping?

The paddock is abuzz with speculation just hours ahead of today’s German Grand Prix, with FIA Technical Delegate Jo Bauer reporting the Red Bull Racing team to the FIA Stewards, alleging that the Milton Keynes team has contravened the technical regulations.

A statement released to the FIA Media Centre reads as follows: “Having examined the engine base torque map of car numbers 1 and 2, it became apparent that the maximum torque output of both engines is significantly less in the mid-RPM range than previously seen for these engines at other events.

“In my opinion, this is therefore in breach of Article 5.5.3 of the 2012 Formula One Technical Regulations as the engines are able to deliver more torque at a given engine speed in the mid-RPM range.

“Furthermore this new torque map will artificially alter the aerodynamic characteristics of both cars which is also in contravention of [Technical Directive] 036-11.

“I am referring the matter to the Stewards for their consideration.”

The Article in question that Bauer is referring to reads: “The maximum accelerator pedal travel position must correspond to an engine torque demand equal to or greater than the maximum engine torque at the measured engine speed. The minimum accelerator pedal travel position must correspond to an engine torque demand equal to or lower than 0Nm.”
This would suggest that Bauer suspects the benefit could relate to the benefits found in the now-banned exhaust blowing technology that was adopted en masse last year. This year’s ban was brought about by a restriction in the engine mapping characteristics teams could use.