Full Throttle

Forgive the rather obtuse title, bare with me a moment and I’ll get to Max Mosley.

By far, Albert Einstein’s best-known equation is “E=mc² - energy equals mass times the velocity of light squared.” According to this equation, any given amount of mass is equivalent to a certain amount of energy, and vice versa.

Now, for Max.

Along with “The Littlest Perv’s” plans for standardized F1 engines (Autosport has published the letter sent to FOTA) is word any competitive advantages between F1 teams in the future should be realized via the kinetic energy recovery system (KERS).

“KERS will be essential on all road-going vehicles in the future, irrespective of their means of primary propulsion,” said Mosley.

“The FIA therefore intends to keep KERS as a performance differentiator in Formula One and, indeed, increase its importance in 2011.

“This will give Formula One far more relevance and credibility than the use of vastly expensive racing engines or extremely light and sophisticated gearboxes, both of which are almost entirely irrelevant to modern road transport.”

Setting aside the “relevance and credibility” issue, that I tend to agree with to some extent, how the hell is KERS going serve as the differance in performance between teams?

First is the issue of KERS commonalty. Its already been reported some teams in KERS development will be providing their system to teams currently residing further down the gird. Ferrari is one and their unit is pictured.

Secondly, and more important is Albert Einstein’s theory noted above.

If all cars are using the same engine, “standard suspension and wheels (ie standard “corners”), a standard underbody and other parts which are currently the subject of major expenditure” - to quote Max’s letter - in addition to being within a couple kilos of each other in total weight, what the hell is KERS going to recover of any great significance that will show in performance gains between F1 teams?

I’m no Einstein, obviously, I operate under the Theory of [not so] Common Sense.

It tells me a Mclaren for example, moving at 300kph and under hard braking for a 90 degree corner has the same kenetic energy as say a Toro Russo in the same situation.

My simple mind also tells me KERS (no matter who makes the unit installed in either car) has the same amount of energy to recover, or so close to the same, to render the savings and reuse of it as insignificant.

Maybe I’m wrong. Maybe Mosley is wrong and is blowing smoke trying to make a sow’s ear into a silk purse.

What we do know for sure is Albert Einstein’s theory has proven to be correct.

And, for sure, Max Mosley is a clown of the first order.

Related article @ F1 Rage!

• Common Engines for a Common Idiot