The deafening noise of the cars is an inherent part of Formula One entertainment. For some, it is music to the ears!
As the Formula One cars are bracing themselves for the new regulations next year, there are apprehensions that the advent of the V6 turbo-charged engines would mean reduction in the noise levels. This, some feel, would be far less exciting.
The participating teams are keen to see the engines perform better, but without any compromise on the exhilarating roar.
“It is just a matter of fine tuning the noise — I mean the sound, apologies for the wrong word. That is vital for the show, above all for the people who are coming to the track, because unfortunately you do not feel it too much on television,” said the Ferrari team boss, Stefano Domenicali.
Mallya optimistic
Force India chief Vijay Mallya was optimistic that sound of the cars would not reduce too much due to the introduction of new engines. “I have participated in many meetings where (F1 boss) Bernie (Ecclestone) has absolutely insisted that there can be no compromise on noise, so I guess there will be no compromise on noise — excuse me Stefano, music, not noise.”
Red Bull also strongly pitched for the noise factor. “Without the noise and the scream there is no Formula One. The first time I went to see a Formula One race in 1992 in Nurburgring, it was the sound I remember,” said the ace Red Bull driver, Sebastian Vettel, while comparing F1 to the proposed Formula E, where the cars would be driven by electric motors.
“Noise of a Formula One car is part of the DNA of Formula One. When people come to a Grand Prix for the first time, the thing that really stands out more than anything is the noise.
“Noise translates into speed, into excitement and so on, and I think it is absolutely crucial that we do not lose that element,” said Red Bull principal Christian Horner.
Lotus boss Eric Boullier felt that embracing technology was the way forward. “I remember the V12 as well, the sound of music, but it is part of the necessity to move ahead and bring new technology.”
Mercedes preferred to wait and watch though.
“I think we actually need to see the cars on the circuit because I do not think a recording of a dyno cycle is actually that representative… I think we needed to make a transition at some stage, we are making it now, there is no going back and I think it will be exciting for the fans,” said Mercedes chief Ross Brawn.
