Magnetti Marelli explain F1 engine sound tweaks for 2016

Will the changes make F1 engines sound good again?

On the back of the introduction of regulation tweaks to improve the noise of Formula One's modern hybrid V6 engines, Magnetti Marelli's sporting chief explains the reasoning behind it.

The modifications were written into the technical rulebook for 2016 after the FIA entrusted Italian firm Magneti Marelli with analyzing the issues. The Italian company's thorough investigation showed two serious problems.

"We found that we miss two things." started Roberto Dalla, the sporting chief of Magneti Marelli.

"Firstly there is the amplitude, secondly there is the high frequency."

Dalla revealed that the latter issue could and will be solved as soon as next year. "It (frequency) is not that far away from the value that we advised."

In 2016 a two-pipe (or three-pipe, depending on the team's preference) exhaust system will be introduced. That means there will be a separate exhaust pipe from the wastegate.

"Finally the aim is to keep the gas aloof from the turbine, because it works as a filter for high frequencies" said Andrea Dappiano who is the project manager for hybrid systems at Magneti Marelli.

"That will result in higher frequency and in more noise."

The Italian is sure that the problems can be solved without introducing completely new engines.

Magnetti Marelli showed a list of results and possibilities to the FIA. Some of those will be implemented next year. Further modifications can be introduced in 2017 when Formula 1 looks set for a major technical overhaul.

"We will support FIA and continue our investigations" promised Dalla. "What the FIA has to do is to discuss the possibilities with the teams to find the correct balance between the increase of the sound and the loss of performance."

Magneti Marelli promises it will lay stress upon aesthetics. "That is simply part of the show. A big trumpet or a megaphone would just look weird" concluded Dalla.