F1 fuel-flow sensor firm says it has FIA's backing
The company that produces the fuel-flow meters at the heart of the row over Daniel Ricciardo's Australian Grand Prix exclusion says it has received "positive" feedback from the FIA
Red Bull driver Ricciardo lost his second place in Melbourne when the stewards ruled that his car had "consistently" exceeded the mandatory 100kg/h fuel-flow rate during the 2014 F1 opener.
The team is launching an appeal as it insists the fuel-flow sensor was inaccurate and that by its own measurements Ricciardo was always within the regulations.
Team boss Christian Horner said: "These fuel-flow sensors that are provided by the FIA to measure fuel have proved problematic down the pitlane since their introduction in testing.
"There have been discrepancies and they have been unreliable."
| Red Bull fuel flow controversy |
| Red Bull rivals followed FIA over fuel sensors |
| FIA: Red Bull ignored requests |
| Analysis: fuel-flow sensors explained |
 |
But Gill Sensors, which supplies the fuel-flow meters, says it has received the FIA's full backing.
"Following the Australian Grand Prix last weekend, the FIA have provided Gill Sensors with positive feedback on the performance of the fuel-flow meter, confirming their confidence in the development and stating the meters meet the FIA's accuracy specification," said the company in a statement.
"The meter development included an extensive testing programme, which involved liaising with many of the F1 teams for their valuable feedback on meter design and functionality.
"Meter calibration is handled by the FIA's third-party calibration company.
"The meters utilise ultrasonic technology which was selected for its resilience in extreme operating conditions."
AUTOSPORT has learned that other teams had concerns over the fuel sensors, but opted to follow the FIA's instructions to reduce their flow rates regardless.
Share Or Save This Story
Hamilton accepts blame for incident with Albon in F1 Brazilian GP
Ferrari drivers called to F1 stewards over Brazilian GP collision
Will Alonso's Indy failure end the age of versatility?
Formula 1: The groundbreaking women who drove in F1
Friday favourite: When a GP2 race winner “ate steering wheel” in Alpine's F1 winner
The potential pitfalls Mercedes is working to counter in 2021
Five things we learned from MotoGP’s cancelled Australian GP
The two recurring issues that hampered Verstappen and Red Bull again at the US GP
Alonso criticises quality of F1 backmarkers after Albon clash at United States GP
Russell scrambling for answers after "not being quick enough" at US GP
Subscribe and access Autosport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
Top Comments