Formula One

By Jonathan Gill

15th December 2006

Governing body the FIA has signed off new regulations to be phased in from the start of 2008. These include a dramatic reduction in aerodynamics, the introduction of energy recovery devices and the possible use of bio-fuels.

“The technical regulations governing F1 will undergo significant change over the next five years and beyond,” said the FIA. “The objectives will be to promote research relevant to the motor industry (and society in general), to eliminate developments which do not meet these criteria, to reduce costs while improving cost effectiveness and to keep, and augment, the image and excitement of F1 as the world’s top motorsport.”

But it’s not clear whether these initiatives will improve the entertainment. Plans to make overtaking easier via the introduction of a double rear wing have been ditched, and FIA chief Max Mosley now wants to improve the show with a combination of reduced downforce and the creation of extra power via energy recovery systems. Two possible sources are being considered: the re-use of waste heat, plus the storage of energy generated while braking to provide additional force under acceleration. McLaren pioneered a similar system in 1998, but it was banned by the governing body.

While keen to push through such worthy developments, the FIA admits a number of these issues will require careful examination and detailed input from F1 teams and industry experts.