Yikes, some BIG changes going on for Formula 1 coming up.
"Formula One's governing body moves to slash costs in troubled times
December 12, 2008 - 11:51 am
By: John Leicester, THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
PARIS - Formula One's governing body announced a series of new cost-cutting measures Friday for the crisis-hit sport, including longer-lasting engines, limits on expensive testing and an off-the-shelf cheaper engine for smaller teams from 2010.
The sweeping steps, which the FIA said were unanimously backed by Formula One teams, come as the sport's major players - automakers - are reeling from the global financial crisis. Honda announced this month that it is pulling out of F1 and Super Aguri quit in April.
The FIA said the first batch of changes for the 2009 season will save the larger teams, backed by manufacturers, about one-third of the money that they spent in 2008.
"Savings for independent teams will be even greater," the motor sport body said in a statement.
The FIA said its World Motor Sport Council agreed Friday at a meeting in Monaco to the measures. For 2009, they include:
-A doubling of engine life, with each driver limited to a maximum of eight engines over the season. Each engine must now be used for at least three races, compared to the previous two. Teams will also be allowed four engines for testing. Engines will be limited to 18,000 revolutions per minute.
-Cheaper engines for independent teams, costing about half as much as in 2008.
-During the season, teams will only be able to test their cars at Grand Prix weekends during scheduled practices.
-Limits on the use of wind tunnels, which are employed to improve cars' aerodynamics.
-Teams' factories to close for six weeks per year.
-Reduced manpower for teams during race weekends.
Changes to be introduced after next season will be even more radical, as the FIA seeks to ensure the sport's long-term survival. Races could even be shortened to save money, and refuelling will be banned from 2010 - which could dramatically alter the spectacle for fans.
Although details have yet to be worked out, the measure was prompted by the heavy cost of transporting bulky equipment such as refuelling rigs. Experts believe there will be more overtaking in races as a result, although it is unclear exactly what the impact on racing strategy will be.
Every part of the car will also be examined to determine whether it is a performance differentiator, and some parts could be standardized for all teams.
From 2010, independent teams will be supplied with engines for less than five million euros (C$8.32 million) per team per season. The engines will come either from an independent supplier or from the teams that manufacture their own engines. If an independent supplier is chosen, the deal will be signed no later than next week, the FIA said.
If such a reform proves practical, all teams will use the same transmission.
Race weekends will look radically different with the ban on refuelling and a ban on warmers used to heat up tires, so they give better grip.
Market research will be conducted before a decision is made on whether to make races shorter. The FIA said it would also work with F1 teams on "the possibility of an entirely new power train for 2013," which would aim to be more energy efficient."