Mercedes Boss Toto Wolff Thinks Engine Mapping Explains Renault Pace

MercedesMercedes-BenzGermany, 1924 > present197 models
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believes that the recent boost in performance from LotusLotusUnited Kingdom, 1952 > present68 models
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and Red BullRed BullAustria, 2004 > present12 models
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is down to new engine mapping from RenaultRenaultFrance, 1898 > present189 models
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that could be good for as much as 0.4 seconds per lap.

"I think what you can see is that Red Bull from Singapore onwards looked like having made a big step forward, and then in Korea the Lotus made a big step forward of 0.2-0.4 seconds. "The question we need to look at is what they do in terms of engine mapping maybe,” said Toto Wolff, head of Mercedes Motorsport.

Wolff says that Mercedes is looking into what has changed that has turned the tide in favor of the Renault-powered cars.

Wolff admits that changed engine mapping is just a theory for now. It could be a mechanical change that the teams found or something else.

Renault-powered cars have taken every podium but two since the Italian Grand Prix, four races ago. It also dominated the podium in Korea and Japan.

Wolff says the team’s goal is to finish second in the constructors’ championship. It is currently 10 points adrift of FerrariFerrariItaly, 1947 > present233 models
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with four races to go and has to balance resources between this year’s car and next year’s all new car. It is not like last year where changes would carry over directly.

“We have to be looking at finishing second in the championship. That is our target and we can't let that go," said Wolff.

Source: Autosport