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The FIA has officially revealed details of its plans to reform Formula One's Technical Regulations for the start of the 2008 season in a bid to reduce the costs of competing in the sport, whilst simultaneously attempting to increase competitiveness among teams. The proposed changes have been approved by the World Motor Sport Council and feedback on them is now being sought.
Max Mosley (GBR) FIA President speaks in the press conference FIA Hearing, Place de la Concorde, Paris, France, 29 June 2005. World © Bumstead/Sutton
Major proposals include:
A single, control-spec Engine Control Unit (ECU) for all competitors, "manufactured by an FIA designated supplier to an agreed specification." This would make it possible to effectively enforce a ban on driver aids like traction control.
Standard gearboxes fitted with common parts for all cars - with control to be via a driver-operated clutch pedal and gearshift similar to those of a conventional manual-transmission road car.
Revised bodywork to reduce downforce by approximately 90 percent while allowing cars a wider track. This would allow cars to follow each other far closer through corners without the loss of aerodynamic grip and thus would be likely to increase opportunities for drivers to pass each other.
Tyres supplied by a single manufacturer to all teams, the reintroduction of slick tyres and larger wheels - plus a ban on tyre-heating devices.
A "minimum specified" centre-of-gravity for every Formula One chassis and improved impact testing, again to increase competitiveness, but also driver impact protection.
Standard brakes for all competitors to reduce development costs.
Greater control over which materials can be used for the construction of a car's bodywork - similar to changes controlling the use of "exotic" materials in engines that go into place in 2006.
The compulsory installation of a starter motor.
A ban on spare cars, with only spare chassis permitted at events.
A limit on testing to a maximum of 30,000km per team per year.
The right for a team to buy a complete car or any part of a car from another constructor, with "further discussion" over how this would effect the award of Constructors' Championship points.
This should be interesting...
1) Standard gearboxes--why remove one of the most technically advanced parts of these cars? These gearboxes are amazing. I can't wait to see someone overrev their engine to 24000rpms trying to drop five gears in two seconds from a long straight to a hairpin.
2) Reduce downforce by 90%!?!? Holy crap--get ready for Nascar-style crashes...although increasing overtaking will make races more interesting to watch.
3) Single tire manufacturer--I wonder who will win...I hope it's Bridgestone...
Clearly the single tire manufacturer has the greatest implications for the immediate future. This will make the next three seasons very interesting indeed...
Text:
The FIA has officially revealed details of its plans to reform Formula One's Technical Regulations for the start of the 2008 season in a bid to reduce the costs of competing in the sport, whilst simultaneously attempting to increase competitiveness among teams. The proposed changes have been approved by the World Motor Sport Council and feedback on them is now being sought.
Max Mosley (GBR) FIA President speaks in the press conference FIA Hearing, Place de la Concorde, Paris, France, 29 June 2005. World © Bumstead/Sutton
Major proposals include:
A single, control-spec Engine Control Unit (ECU) for all competitors, "manufactured by an FIA designated supplier to an agreed specification." This would make it possible to effectively enforce a ban on driver aids like traction control.
Standard gearboxes fitted with common parts for all cars - with control to be via a driver-operated clutch pedal and gearshift similar to those of a conventional manual-transmission road car.
Revised bodywork to reduce downforce by approximately 90 percent while allowing cars a wider track. This would allow cars to follow each other far closer through corners without the loss of aerodynamic grip and thus would be likely to increase opportunities for drivers to pass each other.
Tyres supplied by a single manufacturer to all teams, the reintroduction of slick tyres and larger wheels - plus a ban on tyre-heating devices.
A "minimum specified" centre-of-gravity for every Formula One chassis and improved impact testing, again to increase competitiveness, but also driver impact protection.
Standard brakes for all competitors to reduce development costs.
Greater control over which materials can be used for the construction of a car's bodywork - similar to changes controlling the use of "exotic" materials in engines that go into place in 2006.
The compulsory installation of a starter motor.
A ban on spare cars, with only spare chassis permitted at events.
A limit on testing to a maximum of 30,000km per team per year.
The right for a team to buy a complete car or any part of a car from another constructor, with "further discussion" over how this would effect the award of Constructors' Championship points.
This should be interesting...
1) Standard gearboxes--why remove one of the most technically advanced parts of these cars? These gearboxes are amazing. I can't wait to see someone overrev their engine to 24000rpms trying to drop five gears in two seconds from a long straight to a hairpin.
2) Reduce downforce by 90%!?!? Holy crap--get ready for Nascar-style crashes...although increasing overtaking will make races more interesting to watch.
3) Single tire manufacturer--I wonder who will win...I hope it's Bridgestone...
Clearly the single tire manufacturer has the greatest implications for the immediate future. This will make the next three seasons very interesting indeed...