F1 teams’ survival plan

17th December 2008

Formula One is going on an economy drive. Following the demise of Honda’s grand prix operation, governing body the FIA and team bosses have announced a series of cost-cutting measures aimed at keeping the sport afloat.

From the start of the season in March, testing will be banned outside race weekends, and aerodynamic tuning in wind tunnels dramatically reduced. It has also been ruled that the lifespan of an engine is to be doubled – each unit will now have to last for at least three GP meetings, with drivers being allowed a maximum of eight engines per season.

Finally, manufacturers will be forced to slash the cost of supplying powerplants to independent teams by 50 per cent. However, bigger changes will take place in 2010 – and the most controversial proposal concerns the use of a single engine across the pitlane. This unit will be built by one of the current manufacturers, or a specialist like Cosworth, and will be offered to all squads for £5million per year – a fraction of current costs.

Also on the cards is the adoption by all outfits of a simplified gearbox and standardised chassis parts.

In addition, there will be a major shake-up of race weekends, with a ban on refuelling and tyre warmers. All teams will be expected to use exactly the same radio and telemetry kit to communicate between car and pits.

On top of this, there may also be a reduction in race distances – although this would be subject to feedback from sponsors and fans. All these changes were agreed late last week at a meeting in Monaco. The immense strain being put on the sport by the global economic crisis meant the teams accepted the proposals with barely any resistance.

Speaking afterwards, the president of the FIA, Max Mosley, was upbeat. “I am delighted with the outcome of this meeting,” he said. Ferrari boss Luca di Montezemolo went even further, saying: “I am very glad about the climate of collaboration at the meeting. There is a common sense that the sport is in difficulty. “Yesterday, we could all see the responsibility the participants share. The proposals will allow us to cut costs drastically, while keeping F1’s DNA of technology and competiton in mind.”

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