Max reveals F1 blueprint

The proposals, which include the introduction of 2.4-litre V8 engines (that have to last two race weekends), manual gearboxes, standard ECUs and a ban on traction control as well as the introduction of standard brake systems are to be discussed with the team's principals, technical directors and engine specialists at a meeting in Monaco on May 4.

The technical regulations for the 2008 F1 World Championship need to be announced no later than 31 December 2005, so Mosley has put a preliminary set of proposals to the teams and also asked for their contribution to a discussion that will doubtless take many twists and turns over the next 18 months.

On the engine side, the FIA has suggested a 2.4-litre V8 engine with a maximum of four-valves per cylinder, to be used for two races (with a fool-proof measure for ensuring the rule is observed, plus a carefully calculated penalty system for unscheduled changes.

There will also be a list of components that must be made from a specific material or to a specified manufacturing process. There will be a ban on variable geometry inlet and exhaust systems and, controversially, a standard ECU (electronic control unit), under FIA control. There will also be a ban on direct injection fuel systems enforced by means of the ECU.

On the chassis side, the weight limit is to be reduced by 50 kilos in order to eliminate the currently widespread ballasting process and also reduce kinetic energy in an accident.

There will also be a combined tyre and aerodynamic package to be published no later than 31st December this year, aimed at achieving specific targets for cornering and straightline speeds, grip and braking performance, taking the weight reduction into account.

Tyre/wheel width is to be reduced at the front and increased at the rear to allow weight distribution consistent with no ballast and to give greater drag.

Relating to transmission, brakes and steering, the FIA is proposing a manual gearbox with electronic over-rev safeguard, a manually operated clutch, a ban on electronically controlled differentials and power steering and standard brake discs, pads and callipers.

Although the lead time on changes to sporting regulations means that their discussion is not as urgent, Mosley has also suggested a number of points to put the technical discussions into context. These include a ban on spare cars during events, cars to be held under parc ferme conditions through the entire event, one tyre supplier only and a drastic reduction on private testing.

The FIA has also targeted qualifying, a bone of contention this year with almost everybody from Bernie Ecclestone and the teams to paying spectators.

The FIA proposes two identical sets of tyres for qualifying and race and a new qualifying system to be discussed with the commercial rights holder, broadcasters, teams and race promoters.

If qualifying continues to be with race fuel, the FIA is to consider whether the amount of fuel in the refuelling rig before the race should be fixed annually in the sporting regulations with the amount of fuel in car for qualifying and race free to encourage fuel efficient strategy.

It has also suggested removing tyre changes during the race (except genuine punctures), but to keep refuelling.

The FIA is considering if constructors points should be scored by a maximum of four specified cars (two teams) per constructor. This is aimed at encouraging major teams to make cars and information available to privateer teams competing in F1. The governing body wants to do away with the restriction on the sale, loan or exchange of chassis and components between teams or to new entrants in the championship.

More general points include alterations to the conditions of F1 entry and technical/sporting rule changes for future seasons to be passed via majority rather than unanimous decisions.




2.4-litre V8 engines, with a maximum of four valves per cylinder Engines must last two race weekends Specified components to made from 'spec' materials Standard ECUs Manual gearboxes and clutches Ban on electronically controlled differentials Ban on power steering Standard braking systems Tyre widths reduced front and rear Aero package to reduce grip, straightline and cornering speeds


No spare cars allowed during race weekends Cars to remain in parc ferme throughout event A single tyre supplier, producing to FIA 'spec' Drastic reduction in testing based on mileage Two identical sets of tyres for qual and race New qualifying system No tyre changes during the race


No restrictions on sale or loan of chassis between teams Twelve team entries to be accepted every year