Cosworth: Malaysia a real test for engines

Malaysia is all about heat and humidity, which has a big implication on engine power output. We run specific engine settings to counteract these effects where possible, as we do at other venues with this sort of climate, such as Singapore. The high water vapor content displaces air which could otherwise be combusted with fuel, thereby reducing the power of the engines.

Cooling can be an issue, mainly due to the high ambient temperatures. In this instance the humidity actually helps, because the high water content acts to increase the coolers’ efficiency. The circuit has an interesting blend of corners, some quick and some slow, with two very long straights. The driver spends over 10 seconds at full throttle along each. As such, it is a good test of the overall engine package, as well as drivability, in terms of both useable torque and engine map robustness.