A standard fuel-flow meter for 2021
FIA tries to pursue the cost reduction and to avoid the controversies between teams by adopting a standard fuel-flow meter which will weight 400g or less and it won’t have to get over £5000.
As we already know, the switch to a standard fuel-flow meter was included in the first arrangement of technical rules of the 2021 season which were released in October.
Moreover the FIA, as well as it pursues the cost reduction, it affirmed that the new standard fuel-flow meter will provide a better input regarding the cars’ check and to avoid other controversy like that of Red Bull against Ferrari.
The companies who are interested must convey an offer within the time limit - 13th March, the Friday of the Australian GP weekend - but the decision will be revealed in mid-April.
At the beginning the contract will cover the 2021, 2022 and 2023 season but the FIA may extend this contract until 2024 or 2025.
This ban follows the Article 5.11.3 of the 2021 regulations which affirms: “All cars must be fitted with a single fuel flow meter, wholly within the fuel tank, which has been manufactured by the single supplier appointed by the FIA World Motor Sport Council to a specification determined by the FIA.”
"This sensor may only be used as specified by the FIA Technical Department. Furthermore, all fuel delivered to the power unit must pass through this homologated sensor, and must all be delivered to the combustion chambers by the fuel injectors described by Article 5.11.2".
Nicholas Tombazis, in the Technical Directive - TD/042-19 - issued at the end of the last year, specified that, in 2020, the vehicles would have to present a second fuel-flow meter calibrated by the FIA stewards.
The FIA than added that "it shall not exceed £5000 with a warranty of 100 hours running time. The service cost for any 100 extra hours of running time shall not exceed £500. The lifetime of the fuel flow meter shall, in any circumstances, not be less than 400 hours".
In 2020, teams will have a limit of eight fuel meters for the first sensor and four fuel meters for the second sensor and it is estimated that this limit will also remain for the 2021 season.
