FIA releases proposed regs

FIA president Max Mosley has repeatedly warned that speeds in F1 must come down in the wake of a number of serious accidents this year including Felipe Massa's shunt in Canada and Ralf Schumacher's horrific smash in America.

Aerodynamics and tyres will both be revised for 2005 under the FIA's proposals while engines will have to last for two race weekends to give manufacturers the chance to build 2.4 litre V8 (90 degree) engines ready for the 2006 season.

The FIA added that teams which could not obtain a 2.4 litre engine during 2006 and 2007 would be able to use the current 3 litre V10 engines with a rev limit fixed by the FIA to restrict power.

Changes to aerodynamics will include a limited diffuser height, the raising of the front wing, the element on the rear wing moving forward and changes to the bodywork immediately in front of the rear wheels. According to the FIA, "these changes are estimated to reduce downforce on a car by at least 25 per cent, but reduce drag by less than 4 per cent.

"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."

Tyres will also undergo changes in a bid to cut speeds. Just like this year, drivers will be allowed to choose from two types of tyre. They will then have just two sets of that tyre, one for Friday and Saturday practice, the other for qualifying and the race. A damaged tyre can be replaced during the race, but must be taken from the first set of tyres. However, when the tyre is being replaced the car cannot be refuelled at the same as the damaged tyre is changed.

The idea is that a tyre which must last 350km rather than 80km will have less grip thereby reducing cornering speeds and increasing braking distances and "possibly producing less tyre debris or 'marbles'".

The TWG now has two months to come up with its own 'satisfactory' proposals for a performance reduction or have these regulations imposed on them by the FIA on the grounds of safety.

If the TWG fails to reach agreement on these measures by September 6, the FIA intends to offer it three alternative packages of proposals. The teams will then be given another 45 days to choose an alternative or the FIA will impose its own set of regulations.