Juzh wrote: ↑04 Jul 2018, 13:37
Engine performance vs mercedes. As you can see Honda is still quite some way off merc's 2.1 PU. 10 kph difference at the line at sub 300 kph speeds would mean at least 40 bhp deficit.
https://youtu.be/gOn_Sz35n7I
It's ain interesting watch actually.
Starting the lap, then turns 1, 2 and 3.. all have long straights leading up to them. Start line, Turn 1 and 2 the STR is down 9kph in all of them, turn 3 that's lessened to only 6kph, then skipping through the middle sector, we have the second last corner that has a bit of a straight leading up to it, the speed difference has lessened again to 5kph, and then crossing the finish line, also about 5kph.
Obviously there's also a bit of driver involvement, chassis aero and energy management strategy etc that contributes to those measurements but, the second half of the lap the Honda is not worlds apart at all, the deficit average is 5kph.
What is a mystery and will always be a mystery is how each team setup the deployment strat at each circuit. But based on that video, the Honda seems to be on a good path for quali comparison to a Merc.
Having RBR next year will really shine the light.