Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Whose rule is it anyways?


The only thing constant in Formula One seem to be the rule changes. With the number of changes that the sport has seen in the last few years, bringing out a “dummies guide” on the same might be a good idea.

Max Mosley of the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) and Formula One’s top boss Bernie Ecclestone seem to think that the best way to sustain the sport is to change rules. Mending their ways and making peace with the Formula One Teams Association (FOTA) doesn’t seem very high on their agenda.



The rule changes for 2010 season have irked many top teams. The most contentious issue was the £40 million budget cap originally proposed by the FIA, who reckoned that this was the best way to ensure the future of F1 during the current economic downturn. Teams that chose to take up the budget cap had the option of greater technical freedom and unlimited pre-race testing. Those who didn’t comply could spend freely, but would then face testing and technical constraints. The rule has been scrapped after six major teams voiced their strong opposition.

So what exactly are we looking at in 2010?

Refuelling has been banned in Formula One for the first time since 1993. This will mean bigger fuel tanks to last full race distance, as there will be no scope to refuel during the course of a race. It makes sense on cost grounds, as teams can dispense with transport expenses they must incur for taking the refueling equipment around the world. It will also negate pit stop strategies since all the teams will run on an equal fuel load; and races will be won on the track, rather than at the pit stops. Tyre wear over a race distance will also be critical as the cars would be uniformly heavier.



The minimum car weight has also been increased from 605kg to 620kg. Robert Kubica might have been a happier driver this year, if only this change had been implemented in 2009. Tall and heavier drivers such as Kubica face a disadvantage if KERS (Kinetic Energy Reclamation System) is added to their cars, thereby increasing the weight of the car. Since the car’s weight had to be under 605kg with the driver sitting inside it, heavier drivers had to forgo the option of using KERS.

KERS has been scrapped for the year 2010 due to its poor uptake and also pressure from the FIA to cut costs. KERS development required massive expenses in research and they proved to be a failure in the 2009 season. They have not been banned as such but one can expect KERS-less McLaren and Ferrari cars on the grid in 2010.



Among other changes, wheel covers and tyre warmers are set to be banned as well. The aerodynamic upgrades to a car during the course of a season will also be limited.

The 2010 season promises to be the season of the true-blood racer, where pure racing techniques will matter more than the strategies that come into play off the track.

So bring it on. Let the checkered flag wave for the best driver on the grid in 2010.




FORMULA ONE TRIVIA


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