As of now, Akebono has been promoted to “Technology Partner” for the McLaren Mercedes team and will design and integrate an all-new braking system in response to the latest changes in the Formula 1 regulations. Akebono began its collaboration with McLaren Mercedes in 2007, developing and refining its braking technologies at the pinnacle of global motorsport competition. These specific processes have produced an extremely reliable braking system that possesses significantly reduced weight and exceptional cooling capacity while also being able to withstand high temperatures and maintain structural rigidity.
Also, Akebono will continue to supply racing calipers and brake pads for the hugely successful McLaren 12C GT3 race cars in addition to being the selected brake partner for the next generation McLaren P1™ high performance sports car.
This year, Formula 1 sees the introduction of new ‘power units’ that combine power output from a 1.6-litre V6 combustion engine with that of a brand new hybrid Energy Recovery System (ERS). This change means the rate at which cars can harvest energy under braking has increased five-fold from 400 kJ per lap to 2,000 kJ per lap, thus significantly affecting the braking effort at the rear wheels.
Akebono’s dedicated team of engineers and specialists have developed a revolutionary electronic ‘brake-by-wire’ rear brake control system to aide the braking effort at the rear, negating the need for the driver to constantly alter the brake bias, and thus contributing in preventing rear lock-up.
Akebono’s Chairman, President & CEO, Hisataka Nobumoto commented on the new deal stating:“This is the third extension to our partnership with McLaren since we began the relationship back in 2007 and becoming a fully-integrated technology partner to McLaren Mercedes is another step in being recognised as the best brake manufacturer in the world. Formula 1 represents the greatest of engineering challenges and the new regulations introduced this year give us an excellent opportunity to design and integrate a brand new electronic system that will further showcase our technical prowess. Supplying the McLaren Mercedes Formula 1 team, the McLaren 12C GT3 race cars and the breath-taking McLaren P1™ is an outstanding achievement for Akebono and our associates and shareholders ought to take great pride in what Akebono has accomplished in such a short period of time.”
Full story at Motorsport