FIA moves to quash suspicions of fuel advantages
The FIA has revealed that it has undertaken a detailed analysis of fuel used by the Mercedes and Ferrari teams during the Canadian Grand Prix in an effort to quash speculation it is using 'trick fuel' to gain an advantage on track.
A clampdown on fuel systems in the Spanish Grand Prix was enforced after suspicions some teams were gaining an advantage by developing a way of storing fuel for an extra boost. However, this subsequently resulted in a focus on the oils used and whether they were being developed for a performance advantage using certain chemicals that could boost power.
As a result, the FIA, in an effort to show it is keeping a watchful eye on potential loopholes being exploited, took samples from both Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel's cars after free practice and qualifying for the Canadian Grand Prix.
However, in a report seen by Crash.net, the FIa has concluded that there is no concern over their legality.
"The viscosity analysis showed a slight reduction in the viscosity of the oil in the main tank compared to that of the equivalent auxiliary tank in both cars and the differences can be attributed to fuel dilution, as expected under normal operating conditions.
"The InfraRed analysis showed no significant difference between the oil in the main tank and the one in the equivalent auxiliary tank in both cars.
"Further the GC analysis showed no differences between the oil in the auxiliary tank and the one in the main tank for both cars. It also showed no difference between the oil in the main tank on Friday FP2 and Qualifying for both cars.
"Headspace analysis at 120?C confirmed the presence of fuel in the main tank oil samples (both FP2 and Qualifying), whereas none was detected in the auxiliary tank oil samples. This, again, is due to the expected fuel dilution of the used lube oils under normal operating conditions"
"From these results, it can be concluded that the auxiliary oil tank is not being used to add performance-boosting components, either to the main oil tank or to the combustion chamber via the sump breather into the air intake."
