ME4ME wrote:nevill3 wrote:Don't forget the new Turbocharger will not use any tokens because of the new requirement to vent the wastegate flow through a separate exhaust pipe.
I strongly believe that to be incorrect. Turbocharger design changes will definitely cost tokens.
Not only the turbocharger but the energy recovery systems are token free upgrades this year
http://www.f1technical.net/news/20211
According to the letter Mercedes, Ferrari, Renault and Honda will be permitted to use 32 tokens insted of the planned 25 contingent. In the following years 20, 15 and 3 tokens will be at their disposal. That should open up possibilities for struggling engine manufacturers to close in on the field leading Mercedes.
On top of the tokens' quantity, FIA permits the teams to work on every part of the turbo and the hybrid system.
The only issue the teams have is the timescales required to maximise any advantage they could gain from this "token free" upgrade. The FIA only clarified the new rules in late December and the teams must have already planned a development route to maximise their token use for 2016.
I presume once the engines are homologated prior to the first race then this token free upgrade/change will be set in stone and any further changes would require the use of tokens. Has anybody seen the exact documentation regarding this change and does it stipulate a time frame? If no date is mentioned I can see a loophole ready to be exploited!!