FOTA continues push to reduce costs

The Formula One Teams' Association on Thursday unveiled further plans to keep reducing the costs of competing in grand prix racing, including restrictions on how many development upgrades each team can introduce per season

Following a meeting in Geneva, all team principals agreed to continue with their push towards an affordable Formula One thanks to the introduction of several measures aimed at keeping costs under control.

In a press conference on Thursday, the teams said they have agreed on an immediate cost-cutting programme in several technical areas.

Wind tunnel use will be restricted this year, and teams will only be allowed to use 60% models and maximum speeds of 50m/s.

Wind tunnel and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) use will be reduced based on a fixed ratio, meaning a team can trade in wind tunnel time for CFD time up to an overall limit.

"On engine side we have taken a big step for this year with a short preparation time," explained BMW boss Mario Theissen.

"We will only use eight engines per driver for season, and the engines will be limited to 18,000rpm maximum. By doing so we will extend engine life and reduce test and race costs in a drastic way.

"For 2010, there will be further reduction. On the aerodynamic side we have agreed on the level of aero development. It will be cut in half again: it will be reduced to 50% of the 2009 level.

"On the chassis side we have agreed on the restriction of the number of parts or updates per year. We will only have one single specification per year for wheels/survival cell/roll structures and front and rear impact structures.

"Two specifications per year, which is one update, for suspension assemblies and skid block. Three specs for engine cover, sidepods, diffuser, floor and air ducts. And five per year for wings, where trimming will be allowed."

Theissen said for transmissions FOTA will be put in place a three-year homologation, meaning gearboxes will not be developed from 2010 to 2012.

There will be four gearboxes per driver per season and teams will be able to buy a gearbox package for 1.5 million Euros.

Theissen also said that FOTA is aiming to have a standard KERS for 2010 and that it will be put out to tender.

"Exotic materials will be further restricted or eliminated," Theissen continued. "And on the engine side we will have a further reduction in engine lease price of 37.5%.

"Brakes will be homologated, which means same spec all year and telemetry and radio systems will be standard spec."