DUBAI (UAE): Boosted by the results from yesterday’s testing in Dubai, Class 1 championship promoter, Nicolò di San Germano, and race officials are confident that the introduction of the torque sensor will...
herald a new era of transparency and control in the sport.With the Class 1 season-opener in Abu Dhabi (13-15 April) just weeks away, several teams were out testing at Dubai’s International Marine Club running the now compulsory torque sensor, one of the new technical and regulatory requirements introduced this year by the Union Internationale Motonautique (UIM), the sport’s world governing body. "The new rules require strict enforcement of regulations. To do this officials must be in a position of control when it comes to any issues relating to and enforcing rules, especially in respect of engine power output during races. The torque sensor puts them in that position." said Gianfranco Venturelli, H2o Racing’s technical director.
The torque sensor is fitted to the driveshaft between the engine and the propellers and records a variety of data; rpm, speed, torque and horsepower.
Information recorded by the torque sensor’s data logger during a race or test is then downloaded.
A software programme then deciphers and evaluates the engine parameters and performance at any given point on the course and can show whether or not the boats is running within the agreed regulations. "Teams should be happy. The introduction of this device will put a stop to speculation or rumours spreading about who is running what." Venturelli said.
NB:The course graphic indicates engine performance that has been downloaded, showing the power band, blue indicating the lower end and red the maximum power range.