Test heralds new era for F1

Formula One is gearing up for 2009, with many teams showcasing new-look aerodynamic packages at this week’s test in Barcelona, Spain. As our picture shows, Williams was one of the first to provide the world with a preview of what lies ahead.

Next year’s cars have lower, wider front wings and a narrower, taller rear wing. They will also feature cleaner bodywork, as the small winglets that have sprung up in recent seasons have been outlawed.

These changes have been made in an attempt to allow drivers to run closer together in fast corners, thus providing them with more overtaking opportunities on the straights.

As well as new-look cars, 2009 sees the return of full slicks and the introduction of energy recovery systems.