Radical shake-up of F1 in process for 2008

The proposals have been published by the FIA this morning following a 'leak' to the media. The changes are intended to be finalised in time for ratification at the next meeting of the World Motor Sport Council on June 30. They would be confirmed before 31 December 2005 and adopted after the expiry of the current Concorde Agreement in time for the 2008 season.

If adopted, they would make redundant much of the current F1 investment in technology in materials, electronics, aerodynamics (including wind tunnels) and tyres, with massive implications for the staffing levels of the teams and some of their suppliers. Existing technology contracts extending into 2008 would also be jeopardised.

The FIA has proposed that the engine formula would be based on a naturally aspirated, 32-valve, 2.4-litre V8, with a standard ECU (under FIA control), and strict controls over materials and manufacturing processes. There would be bans on variable-geometry inlet and exhaust systems, and ultra-high-pressure direct-injection fuel systems. Each engine would have to endure for two entire race meetings.

The maximum modulus of elasticity of materials throughout the F1 racecar would be reduced from 40Gpa to 32Gpa. The chassis minimum weight would be reduced by at least 50kg to eliminate ballast (and thus, says the FIA, to reduce kinetic energy in an accident).

The cars would be equipped with a manual gearbox (with an electronic rev-limiter) and a manually operated clutch. Electronically controlled differentials would be banned, as would power steering systems. Carbon-carbon braking systems would be eliminated and replaced with ferrous discs, pads and calipers.

A combined tyre and aerodynamic package is to be published no later than 31 December 2004 to achieve the FIA's specific targets for cornering speeds, straight-line speeds, grip and braking performance, taking the weight reduction into account. For the moment, the FIA has proposed reducing tyre (wheel) width at the front and increasing it at the rear, to allow weight distribution consistent with no ballast and to give greater aerodynamic drag. The total of the front widths and the rear widths would stay the same as currently.

There are also new Sporting Regulations in the FIA's hugely controversial package, including a provision for all the cars to be held under parc fermé conditions when not on-track throughout each race meeting, and a total ban on spare cars. A "drastic" restriction on private testing, limited by mileage rather than the number of days, would be enforced by means of the FIA-fitted ECU.

There would be a single tyre supplier, which would supply only two (identical) sets of tyres for qualifying and racing. No tyre changes would be permitted during race pitstops, except in the event of punctures, but refuelling would stay.

A method would be found to ensure that all the cars run during Friday practice, possibly to include a qualifying session, while a new qualifying system is to be discussed with the commercial rights holder, broadcasters, teams and race promoters. If qualifying continues to be with race fuel, the FIA would consider whether amount of fuel in the refuelling rig before each race should be fixed annually in the Sporting Regulations, with 'free' fuel loads in the car for qualifying and the race (this to encourage fuel efficiency).

There would be no restriction on the sale, loan or exchange of chassis and components between the teams or to new entrants, and a maximum of 12 entrants will continue to be accepted. The FIA would consider if Constructors points should be scored by a maximum of four specified cars (two teams) per constructor, to encourage the major teams to make cars and information available to new teams.

The FIA is also calling for majority voting to change the F1 Technical Regulations.