you see drivers in 1:1 conserving fuel in just about every single formula that requires the cars to race for longer than 1 tank full of fuel - you probably dont even realise it. otherwise why would they have control over the mixture in the cars or turbo boost in turbo classes...
I beg to differ.
In todays racing everything is so competitive that you can't afford to cruise. Fuel conservation isn't a issue.
About the last well known form that still runs turbos is the American Champ Cars. This year the rule was abolished where they only had 215 gallons for the race. Now they have been given more fuel for each race.
Champ cars have done this to breed better racing, and every driver I've heard interviewed loves it. Now it comes down to the quickest driver, not the best pit strategy.
Over 20 odd rounds last year they had something like 14 different winners. This year DaMatta has virtually dominated winning everything but a couple so far. As they put it, the lottery has been taken away. And no one is complaining. They run boost control for qualifing at max boost. Then back it off for the race, for reliability unless they want to pass, then it's wound up for a short period to give them an edge. There are also boost restrictors (blow-off valves) used and set by the governing body to try and restrict terminal speeds on various tracks.
F1's a fair while ago changed rules to make fuel stops compulsory to eliminate fuel consumption worries.
Even our beloved V8's aren't worried. Watch next time under brakes. flames are pouring out of the exhaust. They acheive this by raw fuel being pumped into the motor on deccelration. There is no performance gain. It's done for looks. The bigger the flames, the more pictures you'll get in print and on telecast which in turn keeps sponsors happy.
Therfore I don't think there worried about fuel mileage if this would cost them a race. Besides ther doing high 11's low 12's around Bathurst all day now, the pace just keeps getting hotter.
I look forward to brushless, I can't wait to see racing flat out for 5mins or more. Let's take it back to driver and setup and let's see where everyone stands.