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Rule Changes By The FIA
Today the FIA's World Motorsport Council has announced a series of amendments and changes to the rules governing Formula One. Significantly, the reintroduction of the 107% qualifying rule has been one of the major changes by the FIA along with the announcement of Pirelli as the new tyre supplier. Also the adjustable rear wing system which will be introduced next year will surely be a talking point in the coming weeks.
Firstly, let's look at the 107% qualifying rule. Essentially the 107% qualifying rule means that any driver who does not set a time within 107% of the fastest lap time in qualifying will be excluded from Sunday's race. The return of this rule is effectively a God send for the front and mid pack runners who commonly complain about the backmarkers holding them up mid race. A prime example is Fernando Alonso who was held up during the Canadian GP by Chandok which allowed Button to pass for 2nd position. If the rule had been in place this season, Chandok would not have partaken in the race since he qualified roughly 110% outside of Hamilton's Pole lap.
This could be particularly scary for next year's new team, they may not get enough valuable track time and since there's little time available for in season testing, development may become an issue. So far this season, it looks as if only HRT or Virgin would be affected by the rule out of our current teams. Although there are extreme exceptions to the rule, in particular circumstances, especially in the case of torrential rain, driver's may be allowed to compete if they exceed 107%
Pirelli are set to make a Formula One return, hopefully to the delight of FOTA since their racing history is strong. This former expertise will make Pirelli a more than worthy tyre supplier as Bridgestone are set to leave the sport at the end of 2010. One would be forgiven for thinking that Michellin would get the role since they supplied tyres as recently as 2006, but it all comes down to dollars effectively (especially with Bernie Ecclestone incharge of F1!)
Possibly the biggest talking point for next year is the introduction of the adjustable rear wing. The adjustable rear wing in effect becomes like an aerodynamic version of KERS except it has limits to where it can be used. After 2 laps, as long as a driver is within 1 second of the driver ahead, he may engage his rear wing to generate more downforce and allow for more overtaking. One must ask, is this what Formula One really needs? Another artificial overtaking system which just creates many pointless overtaking manuvers?
And finally, the F duct has been banned for driver safety concerns since it is particulalry hazardous, as we saw in Spain where Alonso drove down the pit straight with no hands on the wheel.
I have a question to post to all readers. Does Formula One need to focus on changing rules to create good entertainment? Remember back to the early 00's, the old aero and engine regulations were brilliant because it delivered the high octane, high speed thrill that is F1 to the fans. Since 2006, all regulations have aimed to slow down F1 and generate overtaking opportunities. What's the logic in this? If F1 is to be the pinacle of motorsport, and not just a TV show, the rules need to be changed be to how they used to be before Mosley went mad with power. Either way, the engineers are always going to outsmart the FIA.
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I can't remember the last time the FIA successfully changed a regulation and increased overtaking. The moveable rear wings? I don't know. It might work, but it all seems a bit.. fake.