RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil – After a frantic search for a replacement engine in between Perth and Rio, things were already looking troublesome for Martin Sonka but the drama continued today as oil pressure problems were identified with the new set-up ahead of the final day of training. A thumbs up from the team however, has provided last minute confirmation that technical director Adrian Judd had given the plane the OK to race here in Rio today.
REPLACEMENT AFTER ONLY TWO RACES
Czech rookie Martin Sonka has had to replace his engine after only two races in his debut season – not what he had planned for and certainly an added pressure for the fledgling team. Flying the former race Edge 540 of American two-time world champion Mike Mangold, Sonka has definitely inherited a pedigree machine but in Perth, problems arose with the engine and immediate action was required.
“We had fluctuating oil pressure and then there was some metal in the filters on the last flight,” explains tech Gordy New, who previously worked with former race pilot Steve Jones. “That’s a showstopper for us. Something was starting to wear on the engine and we haven’t had the opportunity to open it up yet to see what it was. You’ve got to find out exactly what the cause is before you fly it again. We’re taking the parts and sending them to the factory shop to find out what it is.”
A thorough look at various replacement options began even while still in Perth and finally a deal was struck with Team Breitling who had a spare race-tuned engine in transit to Rio. The Lycon engine – Lamb’s 2009 main motor – was an upgrade for Sonka and understandably, he didn’t hesitate to seal the deal. Due to the volcanic ash cloud mayhem across Europe last month, the team’s options were already limited, as shipping of a replacement was likely to have taken weeks.
BEST LAID PLANS
On to Rio and the team had to quickly whip out the Performance Engines tuned original and fit the replacement with time to test it ahead of the race. “Our trip to Rio was nicely planned out but it all changed. It was a mad rush to find an engine after Perth. It took a bit of time and effort but it’s running nice and smooth,” said New earlier in the week. “There are a couple of minor adjustments but that’s to be expected as it’s a more powerful engine so it runs at higher temperatures. We have to adjust the cooling on it.”
Tight schedules between races and strict technical guidelines also played their part in the saga but the team acted swiftly to ensure they would be race-ready for Rio. “The timeframes that are available to us can be tough but we have to run the engine for at least two hours before we can race with it,” continues New. “They also have to be bench-run for five hours. Those are the rules. If you don’t bed in an engine properly then it’ll be ruined.”
TO THE WIRE
Speaking after the first day of training, Sonka was pleased with the overall performance but admitted the oil pressure issue could have meant all the hard work had been in vain. “We are just setting the rpm and we had a little problem with oil pressure. It’s not perfect but we will be OK to race today,” he said, looking relieved after the engine inspection was complete.
Follow all the action from Rio on the Red Bull Air Race Live Blog.
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