FIA Unveils Proposed Rule Changes

[chop456]

http://f1.racing-live.com/en/index.html

FIA unveil measures to slow down F1
Big changes proposed for 2005





From 2006, there will be a choice of engines...

The FIA has today provided the Formula One teams with details of a package of measures to reduce the performance of Formula One cars. These measures are likely to be imposed if satisfactory proposals have not been agreed by at least eight teams and presented to the FIA before 6 September 2004.

1. Aerodynamics (2005)
Diffuser height limited, front wing raised, rear wing element moved forward and changes to the bodywork immediately in front of the rear wheels. Together, these changes are estimated to reduce downforce on a current car by at least 25%, but reduce drag by less than 4%.

Explanation: lower downforce will reduce speeds, particularly in fast corners, and slightly increase braking distances, while the small reduction in drag will have a minimal effect on straight-line speeds.

2. Tyres (2005)
A driver may choose from two types of tyre, as in 2004. He will then have two sets of his chosen tyre, one for Friday and Saturday practice, the other for qualifying and the race. A damaged tyre can be replaced during the race (taken from the first set), but the car cannot be refuelled at the same time as the damaged tyre is changed.



Explanation: a tyre which must last 350 km rather than 80 km will have less grip, reducing cornering speeds, increasing braking distances and possibly producing less tyre debris or “marbles”.

3. Engine (2005)
One engine to last for two race weekends.

Explanation: both peak and average power will be less than for an engine with a shorter life.

4. Engine (2006)
2.4 litre V8 (90º) with maximum bore diameter, fixed cylinder spacing, minimum crankshaft centre line height, minimum weight and minimum height of centre of gravity. Direct fuel injection, variable geometry inlet systems, variable geometry exhaust systems, variable valve timing and variable valve lift systems all prohibited. Only one spark plug, one coil and one injector per cylinder. Exotic materials banned.

Explanation: a 20% reduction in capacity will produce a corresponding drop in power. Constraints on design and the use of materials will significantly slow the rate of power increase and reduce the scope for using engine design to improve chassis characteristics. Keeping existing cylinder sizes retains many current engine components while keeping engine revs close to current levels.

5. Other engines
During 2006 and 2007, teams which cannot obtain a 2.4 litre engine will be able to use a 3 litre V10 with power restricted by means of a rev limit fixed by the FIA.

Explanation: this will ensure that all teams (including new entrants) have access to a competitive engine, even if supplies of the new 2.4 are initially restricted.

[jonovision_man]

One set of tires to last all of qualifying and the race - that's a big one, more like LeMans than the short F1 stints the tire manufacturers design to now! Could bring back that big Maclaren gas tank from before the tire war that let DC come 10 laps (or so) shy of doing Monaco without a stop... assuming they change qualifying.

jono

[Forza Lancia]

http://f1.racing-live.com/en/index.html

...minimum weight and minimum height of centre of gravity. Direct fuel injection, variable geometry inlet systems, variable geometry exhaust systems, variable valve timing and variable valve lift systems all prohibited. Only one spark plug, one coil and one injector per cylinder. Exotic materials banned.

We can mark today as the day when racing has officially become an anachronism. There will be plenty of cars on the road with more sophisticated engines than these regulations allow. F1 no longer represents the cutting edge of automobile technology. I suppose it had to happen, sooner or later, but it is a pity.

[Methanolandbrats]

They don't need to slowed down. The way they corner, transition and brake, as well as the sound of the V10 is what makes F1 fascinating. It was too good to last, so time to **** it up.

[pfc_m_drake]

We can mark today as the day when racing has officially become an anachronism. There will be plenty of cars on the road with more sophisticated engines than these regulations allow. F1 no longer represents the cutting edge of automobile technology. I suppose it had to happen, sooner or later, but it is a pity.

Notice the wording though:


The FIA has today provided the Formula One teams with details of a package of measures to reduce the performance of Formula One cars. These measures are likely to be imposed if satisfactory proposals have not been agreed by at least eight teams and presented to the FIA before 6 September 2004

Seems like it might be a scare tactic to get the teams to do *something* rather than keep dragging their feet, making a 'decision', then changing their minds. I have a hunch that we're far from anything being final.

[Ruben Barrios]

This means Champcar becomes the pinnacle of racing!!!????

[Railbird]

I tend to agree with pfc drake, this latest proposal along with Mosley's retirement dance could be nothing more than posturing.

If however it is pushed through it would certainly take a lot of the interest out of F1 for me. Harder tires and less downforce is great, iron brakes could also by added, but resticitng the engines to a level under that of a garden variety sedan would lessen the appeal imo.

[oddlycalm]

Time for Max and some of the Poidexters at the FIA to head to the rest home. It's getting to the point where the only place to see exciting machinery is to watch MotoGP or historic races to look at the equipment from 20 - 30 years ago when the people that ran racing organizations still had testicles.

When I see a 917-30 or a 1980's F1 car at a historic event under full power it makes most of what we have now look like exactly what it is. Neutering F1 is just about the last nail in the coffin.

oc

[nz_climber]

This means Champcar becomes the pinnacle of racing!!!????

Thats what im thinking!! :D

Im no super engine person - but isn't a 2.4L NA V8 that has to last 2 races worse than a crapwagon ???? (without the rev thingy..)