turbof1 wrote:The needed fuel to make it back to the pits is only for qualifying, if I'm correct.
No, in the present form the regulations require a fuel sample in the race as well. The natural assumption is the sporting regulations will continue with that requirement because it makes total sense regardless of the way you limit power.
The 2014 formula is simply a clever way to get rid of air limitations and create a flexible way of power control that inherently favours the more efficient and sustainable engines. There was a scientific research project fundet by various gov and non gov organizations in 2004 AFAIK which recommended this fundamental switch. Back in 2006 it was mentioned by our esteemed Columbian moderator Ciro Pabon
compare this link. The hosting site is run by the Motorsport Industry Association (MIA) which also organized a conference on the findings. Unfortunately the link to the conference document does not work any more but I read it and was impressed. The FiA adopted the fuel flow policy in 2006 still under Max Mosley
source here when they had their talks with the GPMA under Prof. Goeschel (ex BMW)
German language link here. It took Jean Todt a while to implement it when he got into office but he made it the highest priority point on his motor sport agenda.
Dragonfly wrote: IMO they do not need to have any other limit in a fuel cap formula - not on fuel mass flow, not on boost. The limits will be imposed naturally by the teams themselves.
With a limited number (5??) of engines per car no one will dare risking to lose an engine because of over boost and over revving, or stressing the engine with excess power output. Stil, depending on the quality and the capabilities of the different manufacturer engines, there will be a field for creativity. One manufacturer's engine may be better, other slightly less capable, but this is what competition is about. And diversity is which creates the competitive driving force.
The one who manages to drive faster and finish the distance first with a given amount of fuel is the one who achieves highest efficiency. No need to count piktoliters per millisecond and what's worse - limit the flow in such a manner. It may be fascinating challenge for an engineer but for the average Joe Watcher it won't have any meaning. And is a hidden factor for controversies and a mess. Any device sooner or later fails. Just a single faulty sensor is enough to ignite a scandal.
People have experience with the approach you propose and it was negative. In the late eighties we had exactly that fuel limitation regulation and it was hated by the fans. Drivers would run out of gas and tried to push their cars over the line. It was ridiculous. It also promotes economy running where drivers only drive with carefully controlled power in order to save fuel. It is similar to the fragile tyres and was hated by the fans. So the powers that be came to the conclusion to rather rely on fuel mass flow technology that was pioneered by the company Ricardo ten years ago and is now offered by Gill. It is a historical evolution which became unstoppable with the 2014 F1 and LMP1 regulations. I think you have zero chance that this fundamental decision will ever be reversed.