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MARANELLO, Italy - Ferrari technical boss Pat Fry doubts one engine maker will have a big head start on its rivals in 2014 despite paddock rumours that suggest Mercedes will have an advantage of more than 75kW over engine rivals Ferrari and Renault with its new turbo V6 technology.
On the other hand, it has been said that Ferrari is delighted with the 2014 rules because they give the Italian marque a chance to impress with its expertise in engine design after an era mostly obsessed with aerodynamic gains.
'NO BIG DIFFERENCES'
Fry, however, told Germany's Auto Motor und Sport: "Aerodynamics will be as important in 2014 as they has been for the previous 15 years."
He thought outright engine power and performance would not be crucial. "The differences between engines will mainly be determined by reliability. I believe large performance differences will not arise -- perhaps in the race, when the fuel consumption determines the power."
Fry also thought it possible the start of the new era in 2014 would open the door to a major technical innovation along the lines of the double diffuser of 2009. "The aerodynamic regulations are pretty clear," he said, "but I do see a few ways to interpret things differently. There will be solutions that were not seen."
Meanwhile, after Red Bull's Adrian Newey admitted his 2014 car was ugly, Fry refused to say the next scarlet single-seater will be similarly unseemly.
"If it wins," he smiled, "then no."
On the other hand, it has been said that Ferrari is delighted with the 2014 rules because they give the Italian marque a chance to impress with its expertise in engine design after an era mostly obsessed with aerodynamic gains.
'NO BIG DIFFERENCES'
Fry, however, told Germany's Auto Motor und Sport: "Aerodynamics will be as important in 2014 as they has been for the previous 15 years."
He thought outright engine power and performance would not be crucial. "The differences between engines will mainly be determined by reliability. I believe large performance differences will not arise -- perhaps in the race, when the fuel consumption determines the power."
Fry also thought it possible the start of the new era in 2014 would open the door to a major technical innovation along the lines of the double diffuser of 2009. "The aerodynamic regulations are pretty clear," he said, "but I do see a few ways to interpret things differently. There will be solutions that were not seen."
Meanwhile, after Red Bull's Adrian Newey admitted his 2014 car was ugly, Fry refused to say the next scarlet single-seater will be similarly unseemly.
"If it wins," he smiled, "then no."