FIA attributes Sepang formation-lap power losses to software bug

The FIA has completed its review of the power losses that disrupted the formation lap at the Bahrain Grand Prix, held at Sepang in Malaysia, and attributed the problem to a software bug. Wet weather meant the formation lap got underway about 40 minutes after the scheduled start.

The FIA's earlier technical account described an interaction of low engine speed, low grip, wet-weather energy-management settings and Sepang's sector layout that led to unintended power loss in several cars.

After the race, FIA single-seater technical director Nikolas Tombazis said the software had not been tested in the specific conditions seen in Malaysia. A later FIA account said teams and power-unit manufacturers had validated the package through simulations and full-scale running during practice at the Belgian and Dutch Grands Prix. The package had been tested, but not under those specific conditions.

For Singapore, the FIA says power units will revert to the configurations used in Malaysia if similar conditions arise. It has promised another wet-weather software update for the following United States Grand Prix, alongside stronger testing and verification that includes independent assessment and feedback from the standardised ECU supplier.