F1-Blog

Control Electronics Debate continues

BMW have added the voice of concern to the already vocal Renault and Ferrari worries about the M.E.S Electronics that all the teams have to run this year.

I can see there reason for concern in it’s most basic way, however the system is jointly developed with Microsoft, and McLaren Electronics are only supplying just that, the electronics that joins the system to the car, almost all the development of the ’software’ is done by, or overseen by Microsoft.

However the whole thing about the standard control unit is a farce anyhow, yes try cut costs, but this has only raised them as teams have not only had to re-develop components, interfaces, procedures and practices, but have essentially lost a sponsor as well (whoever was supplying the electronics before M.E.S)

To add insult to injury, how are the teams going to add the energy re-gain systems expected next year to their cars, if they have little control over the electronics, as most of the systems are going to require very clever, and advanced electronics solutions.

Renault complain about the electronics

Bob Bell (Renault’s Technical Director) has complained about the new FIA sanctioned ‘Standard Electronics Unit’.

He is stated as saying

"The system has lower performance," Bell insisted. "Its capacity, complexity and functions are not on the same level."

Now Bob, is that not the point of the new system? It’s designed to stop the hidden ‘clever’ code that is tending to be hidden in the current electronics on the cars.

He has also complained that McLaren have an advantage in using the system, this is because the system is a development effort between Microsoft and McLaren (MES - Microsoft McLaren Electronic Systems). Yes I can see his point on this, however I am sure McLaren’s system from 2007 would have been a fair chunk more complicated than the one in the standard system. There however will be similarities between the standard one and the one McLaren know and love.

That being said, so far all the drivers that have driven cars with the system in are very complimentary to it, and saying how much they are enjoying F1 without the nanny.

Microsoft in F1?

It's been announced that Microsoft MES has been selected as the official FIA partner for the 2008/2009/2010 standard electronic control units in the F1 engines using the Windows Mobile for Automotive platform. Now as many know, in my other 'life' I am quite a fan of MS technologies, however Microsoft really need to be on the ball on this project! F1 is watched by a massive number of viewers, and if the unit's supplied to the teams are less than perfect it will be mentioned, on live TV, the Microsoft boys really don't want to annoy the Ron Dennis and Frank Williams of this world, as even the might marketing people at MS will not be able to live that down.

The other FIA announcement is that surprise surprise, Bridgestone have been announced as the single tyre supplier to F1 for the 2008/2009/2010, and it would seem with Michelin pulling out at the end of the year the 2007 season as well (unless BF Goodrich turn up like in WRC, who are Michelin by another name, and will bizarrely be the only tyre supplier in the WRC series).