New Rules And Regulations For Formula 1 2009

Formula One is one of the most technologically advanced sports in the world, with tens of millions being spent on research and development every season. Part of the effect of this has been to make the level of funds available for investment a significant factor in a team’s performance. Therefore, in an attempt to create a more level playing field, the governing body for Formula One, the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile), has introduced rules over the years, limiting and regulating the level and type of technology available for use in the vehicles. Added to that since 2008 has been the world economic crisis, which has created difficulties for some of the smaller teams. Therefore, a substantial change of rules in a number of different areas have been seen for the 2009 period, some of which will be visible on the Formula One vehicles to even the casual viewer.

Following ten years with the use of grooved tyres, the sport will reintroduce slicked tyres, which is just one aspect of the general aim of putting more importance on mechanical grip, as opposed to aerodynamic. Without having grooves which create drag, it is expected that there will be a twenty per cent improvement in grip. This gain is hoped to be balanced out by significantly lessened down force which will result from the new aerodynamic regulations. It should also have a safety benefit through some of the faster corners on certain tracks. In addition, drivers will continue to be able to choose from 2 different compound options for dry tyres, and, as with the previous season, will be required to make use of both in each race. Some changes have also been made to make vehicles inherently more reliable, and to discourage manufacturers from going too far to get the most out of the engines to the extent it could harm the sport. As a result, rev limits have been reduced to 18000 rpm. Only 8 different engines can be used for racing throughout the year, and teams may also have 4 further ones, to be used for testing. The penalty for contravening these rules is to be put back ten places on the grid, or to be put to the very back if qualifying has already taken place.

Possibly in response to the increasing awareness of the environment and sustainable technology, one new technology that is being trialled for the 2009 Formula One season is KERS - Kinetic Energy Recovery System. Heat energy that is generated from braking is normally lost, and brakes are normally designed from heat resistant material, which essentially absorbs heat. KERS aims to recover this energy, and make it available as part of the race, which can be recovered in a flywheel or in an electric battery. Because the amount of energy recovered is likely to be relatively small, this would be incorporated into the race using a ‘boost’ option for the driver. This gives around an extra 80 hp, for around six seconds in a lap, worth a few 10th’s of seconds in a race. However, the weight, testing and safety of such a system are all drawbacks, and none of the manufacturers have taken this technology up as yet for the 2009 season. Another eco-related change is the fact that 5% of the fuel must now be made of bio matter.

There are extensive new regulations concerning the dimensions on the cars for the new season. Items on the cars such as winglets, barges and chimneys are now prohibited around the car, which will also have an impact on safety. Drivers will be given an element of control over the aerodynamics of their vehicle, with the ability to adjust the wing angle by up to 6 degrees. It is expected that the revisions will affect airflow behind each vehicle, making overtaking potentially easier, and making closer racing possible. Casual viewers will notice that, in particular, the front wing is now more wide than before (by about 40 cm), and is also lower down (about half of its previous height), and also the rear wing will be higher up for 2009, which will now be even with the engine cover, and will be narrower by about 25 cm. The new points system introduced for 2009 only applies to second place onwards - the champion is decided by the most wins - which would have meant 2008’s title going to Felipe Massa instead of Lewis Hamilton. The new rules should ensure a more level playing field amongst teams in the short term, with potentially a broader audience and more accessible public image in the long term due to the sport recognising the climate and economic concerns in the wider world.