Ferrari is reportedly working on a radical new engine concept, the likes of which has never been seen in F1 and which should help it gain an edge in 2022.
The Scuderia's engineers have been working hard in the past months to supply an upgraded power unit for this season that will hopefully help the Italian outfit improve its fortunes in the wake of its dismal campaign in 2020.
But at Maranello, significant engineering resources have been allocated to a ground-breaking engine design that could provide Ferrari with a crucial advantage over its rivals.
According to a report from Motorsport.com, the project is being led in Ferrari's engine department by Wolf Zimmerman, a man well acquainted with Mercedes' hybrid technology through his work with Graz engine specialist AvL.
The revolutionary engine's design will follow Mercedes' lead by separating on the unit the compressor from the turbo, an apporahc also followed by Honda.
Currently, the two components are located side-by-side on the gearbox side of the engine, as seen on the drawing here-under posted on Twitter by motorsport technical expert Craig Scarborough.
An old drawing, but still accurate to this day.
Lots of unfounded speculation oing around about a change in turbo layout for Ferrari and Renault in 2022. pic.twitter.com/XohIlAyxHU— Craig Scarborough (@ScarbsTech) February 9, 2021
However, Motorsport.com contends that the real novelty planned by Ferrari is the housing of the compressor inside the unit's six-cylinder intake box with an all-new intercooler design.
The radical architecture would deliver a series of benefits that would include performances gains, a weight benefit and a more compact overall design that would allow for optimal aerodynamics.
Such a bold approach is obviously not without its challenges, mainly in terms of ensuring rock-solid reliability.
But Ferrari appears inclined to follow its cutting edge plan that will go hand in hand with F1's 2022 regulation overhaul.
Because there's no reward without work, no victory without effort and no battle won without risk.
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