I've just read an article on ArsTechnica (because I'm a nerd) concerning proposed rule changes to Formula 1, closely resembling the Group-C class of Le Mans. It would allow any engine to power a vehicle as long as it conformed to specific fuel-consumption limits.



Here's the link to the article: F1: Will the F stand for Fuel Economy?



So, does this mean that a rotary-powered car could find its way into the competition? Or is the competition so rough that no company would opt to change from a piston engine to a rotary?



Just thinking out loud...discuss https://www.nopistons.com/forums/pub...IR#>/smile.png.

You may see it, it'd be great since I've been hoping for it since I started watching 2 or 3 years ago. For many reasons, I find it extremely doubtful. One of the most important, I think, is the fact that the rotary is now associated with Mazda, and it's a manufacturer vs. manufacturer race. Using another company's "exclusive" engine to beat another guy takes down a lot on the pride factor.

Honestly, I don't want to be a pessimist, but it will *never* happen. Mazda just doesnt have the budget for it, let alone Ford. Heck, even Renault can't afford to do it much longer, they are rumoured to be packing things up next year.



However, I wouldnt be surprized to see Mazda do more int'l endurance racing in the future...

With such a successful season last year, do you really think Renault will be packing up so quickly?



I know that Mazda/Ford doesn't have the money to compete, but I just wanted to bring up the possibility https://www.nopistons.com/forums/pub...DIR#>/wink.png.

Renault, just like Citroen and Peugeot in WRC, have to ultimately do the math and decide realistically just how many more cars they sell because they are successful in racing.



My guess is that a big reason for Fernando Alono signing with mc-mercedes this year is that he may not have had a seat with Renault in 07. Who knows though...

I was going to say that Mazda does not have the money to do it. Or probably any amount of interest.



But it would be great to see it done.

Make it happen. Buy a new Mazda. https://www.nopistons.com/forums/pub...#>/biggrin.png

the rotary isnt very competative where fuel economy is a concern, anyways.

i would agree with the fuel economy thing from personal expereince...



but... how did the 787b manage to win lemans with bad fuel economy?

its an endurance race, the rotary can run 24hours flat out and show no wear

I doubt that you can make the rotary powerfull enough to compete with the piston engines in F1 trim, unless you go turbo which is not allowed.



Even the three rotor in the Courage Mazda LMP2 car is insufficient compared to the competetion.

https://www.nopistons.com/forums/pub...1047683561.gif I find it hard to believe that with a little development work, the rotary couldn't be made to compete with piston engines in F1. Displacement for displacement, the rotary could kick a piston's ass in the output department. Maybe not in fuel consumption, though.

With the F1 budget, I think so too.



Maybe it could be more economical with the ren style exhaust port. I dont think Mazda ever used side exhaust ports in racing even to this day.

Something people forget is how much time and money have gone into piston enignes. Compare a piston engine today with what was being produced 50 years ago. . .



In the current political state of the sport, they don't allow anything besides a V-10 (in the name of cost-cutting/savings). It will take a major shake-up to even consider allowing different configurations, let alone different engine types. Damn shame, though. I wonder how fast they could make a rotary turn?

To me, "any motor" includes FI.

Star Mazda uses RENESIS engines, right?

Maybe it does, but i cant find any specs or pics to see if its actually a ren style port.



I remember reading the "new" ALMS rotaries still bieng Peri exhaust port, and still bieng called "RENESIS based". So i dunno.

Damnit.... just let them do it so I can get my hands on the leftovers.... Mmmmmmmm