Ferrari's Pat Fry Says Cooling Will Be Challenge in 2014

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technical director Pat Fry predicts that the biggest challenge facing Formula One teams in 2014 will be getting the cooling right on the cars. He calls it a “massive opportunity” for teams to find an advantage or fail miserably.

"At the start of each year when you get the cooling wrong, a huge amount of resource goes into fixing radiators, bodywork and everything like that,” said Fry.

"With the 2014 changes it is going to be even more dramatic - and the opportunities for getting it wrong are going to be massive.”

The new aerodynamic rules calling for narrower wings and new power units force teams to balance aerodynamic performance with cooling. The smaller front wing will have to produce sufficient downforce and direct cool air to the car’s radiators.

The 2014 power units combine a 1.6-liter turbocharged V6 with a braking regeneration system and a system that generates electricity from the engine’s exhaust flow.

Ferrari has more to lose than any other team. It has made the decision to build fewer road cars at higher prices. The key is keeping the company’s F1 team at the top of the grid so that it can use it to sell cars.

The first public Formula 1 test is scheduled for Jerez at the end of January.

Source: Eurosport