Because the engines will be totally frozen during the course of 2022, Renault has completely redesigned its Formula 1 power unit, implementing a new solution that splits the turbo, an idea that Mercedes already adopted in 2014.
As well as taking a step up on the power side, Alpine hopes the new design will also give it benefits in terms of aerodynamics and center of gravity.
Although the final conclusions, especially in comparison with the reference power units of Mercedes and Honda , will not be known until qualifying for the Bahrain GP, the first impressions of the team after last week’s Barcelona tests were positive.
Alpine sporting director Alan Permane acknowledged that they had started testing a few different engine modes on their A522, and the fact that the power unit had done everything expected without drama was a good sign.
“We haven’t been using it at full power,” he said when asked by Motorsport.com about his first impressions of the new Renault engine.
“I don’t think we’ve done a lap in what is known as ‘ICE only mode’, which is the mode we have for qualifying and the race. We’ve come close to that, but we haven’t quite reached that maximum.
“Honestly, we haven’t talked much about the power unit, and that’s a good thing.”
“It’s very different. It’s completely different to anything Viry has ever produced. It’s more complex, it looks much better and it’s more compact. It’s mounted on the car and we’ve run really well with it, which is great.”
“The drivers have made normal comments about its ease of handling, its boost and also about the turbo lag, but the factory staff have already gone to work on it.”
Formula 1 ‘s switch to a much more sustainable fuel this year, with engines needing to use gasoline containing 10% ethanol, makes comparing the power of the current engine and last year’s very difficult.
However, Permane believes the fact that the drivers have not indicated during pre-season testing that the engine is an area of concern is motivating for the team.
“[The engine] hasn’t even been a topic of conversation really, which is great,” he said. “I think it’s very difficult for the drivers to talk about power compared to last year because of the big fuel differences that cause different behaviours.
“But the reality is that they have not complained about it at all, so we are very happy,” concluded the Alpine .
