The problem of Formula’s weak voice has not been solved yet. But it doesn’t mean that they are not trying to find a solution. A special modified tailpipe intended to increase the car’s noise level has been used during the tests in Barcelona. The teams called this device a ‘megaphone’.
The engineers from Mercedes mounted a special cap on the exhaust system of the F1 W05. Nico Rosberg went a few laps behind the wheel of his race car but the acoustic consultants were not satisfied with the new volume of the V6 turbocharged engines as it didn’t get much louder. Apart from that, the car looks rather funny now, as if it came from children’s comic books, because the cap does look like a megaphone.
As reported by auto.vest.ru, the new tailpipe cap did not have the desired effect. However, FIA doesn’t give up! The spokesman of the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile said: “The FIA have engaged a team of acoustic engineers in order to ensure measurements are made both with the current exhaust and any development system during the test. Once we have the complete results of these tests, and a full analysis of all available noise sources, we will discuss them with the teams and, where necessary, changes to the rules will be proposed."
Suspicion creeped into the minds of other teams “what if the new cap adds some horsepower?” Mercedes is the only team taking part in the tests, while all the rest can only look at the results of the runs. “This is F1 and there are unintended consequences to be careful of all over the pace”, said Rob White, Renault Sport F1 deputy managing director. “My short-to-medium concern is that we mustn't be put in a situation where we take a performance hit relative to our competitors, directly or indirectly, as a result of this subject”.
No matter which way you look at it, the situation is rather complicated — there is neither nice sound, nor consent in the paddocks. One thing after another. The engineers continue looking for a solution of this problem.
