BMW Sauber are the latest team to dispute the mandated FIA approved engine electronics package.
BMW have added the voice of concern to the already vocal Renault and Ferrari worries about the M.E.S Electronics that all the teams have to run this year.
I can see there reason for concern in it’s most basic way, however the system is jointly developed with Microsoft, and McLaren Electronics are only supplying just that, the electronics that joins the system to the car, almost all the development of the ’software’ is done by, or overseen by Microsoft.
However the whole thing about the standard control unit is a farce anyhow, yes try cut costs, but this has only raised them as teams have not only had to re-develop components, interfaces, procedures and practices, but have essentially lost a sponsor as well (whoever was supplying the electronics before M.E.S)
To add insult to injury, how are the teams going to add the energy re-gain systems expected next year to their cars, if they have little control over the electronics, as most of the systems are going to require very clever, and advanced electronics solutions.
I know a lot of these issues will be worked out, perhaps Microsoft allow the teams to hook a certain number of exposed API’s (Application Programing Interfaces) in the controlled electronics unit, but even so, it will not be the same as a custom written, designed and built system.
Time will tell, I for one am certainly looking forward (in some ways at least) to the drivers not being able to rely on the TC systems to get them out of trouble, it will certainly benefit the more natural drivers. However I am sure there are bound to be a slew of ‘Electronics Issues’ used as excuses when cars stop working.