EERS or Exhaust Energy Recovery System A system that collects heat energy that would otherwise be lost in the exhaust gases and retains it for later use when it is converted to kinetic energy to provide additional drive. There are no current plans to introduce it to Formula 1 although it may prove very promising due to the particularly high fuel consumption of a Formula 1 engine compared with road-going vehicles. Electronic Control Unit (ECU) An electronic control unit monitors and manages all aspects of a Formula 1 car's electrical systems. Since 2008, Formula 1 cars have used a single standard unit for all teams. Electric Blanket See Tyre Warmer. Electronic Brake System currently being discussed by the FIA that could be employed in place of the safety car. An electronic system operated by race directors would then brake the cars directly.  End-plateThe vertical panel attached to the side of a wing. Those at the front are carefully shaped to control the airflow around the front wheels. Engine Only four stroke engines with 8 cylinders in a V-arrangement with a maximum capacity of 2.4 litres limited to 18,000 rpm may be used in Formula 1. The minimum weight of the engine is 95 kilograms. Currently, each car is allowed eight engines for the entire season, with additional engines incurring a 10-place grid penalty. Turbos, Wankel engines and superchargers are prohibited. Engine Mapping A process used to electronically adjust an engine's performance characteristics, such as valve opening and closing and ignition timing. Engine mappings can change completely from circuit to circuit depending upon the nature of the track although drivers can select different maps during the race with a control in the cockpit. For example, as well as performance maps there will be a fuel saving map for use behind the safety car. Exhaust The outlet pipes for the engine gases, the exhaust dimensions are tuned to maximise power and increase torque. More...  |