FORMULA 1 SEASON STARTS!

You guys know and should have heard of the many changes made by FIA for the 2005 season. For one simple reason actually: Formula 1 VS. Ferrari

So dominant is Ferrari in the past few seasons that the sport is struggling to bring the fans back. The FIA has to come out with all sorts of alternatives to make the sport more competitive. Many rules have been changed in the past few seasons. That will tell you how good Schumacher is to the extend of such actions to be taken.

These changes are actually similar to what UEFA is planning to make the football world more competitive and fair as well. Of course, the FIA won't admit that so the excuse given was that the sport is too freaking fast and they are introducing these rules to make it safer. YEAH RIGHT! Try to cheat a 7 year old boy is it?

(Information taken from http://www.wheels24.co.za)

1. Aerodynamics (2005)
Diffuser height limited, front wing raised, rear wing element moved forward and changes to the bodywork immediately in front of the rear wheels. Together, these changes are estimated to reduce downforce on a current car by at least 25%, but reduce drag by less than 4%.
Explanation: lower downforce will reduce speeds, particularly in fast corners, and slightly increase braking distances, while the small reduction in drag will have a minimal effect on straight-line speeds.

My opinion: Let's just play the electronic games ourselves now. One of the best reasons we watch Formula 1 is the furious thrilling speed it provides. Now? We might as well buy the game ourselves and race ourselves in our consoles!

2. Tyres (2005)
A driver may choose from two types of tyre, as in 2004. He will then have two sets of his chosen tyre, one for Friday and Saturday practice, the other for qualifying and the race. A damaged tyre can be replaced during the race (taken from the first set), but the car cannot be refuelled at the same time as the damaged tyre is changed.
Explanation: a tyre which must last 350 km rather than 80 km will have less grip, reducing cornering speeds, increasing braking distances and possibly producing less tyre debris or "marbles".

My opinion: This is definitely making the game a hard one to play, especially having to change from wet to dry tyres if the weather swings its mood during race day as well as during qualifying sessions. The rule on 'the car cannot be refulelled at the same time as the damaged tyre is changed' is another very stupid implementation!

3. Engine (2005)
One engine to last for two race weekends.
Explanation: both peak and average power will be less than for an engine with a shorter life.

My opinion: This is probably the hardest thing to me for the teams. This will surely be a reason for drivers to drive EXTRA CAREFUL & that will mean less risk taking and thus, a far more BORING sport!

4. Engine (2006) 2.4 litre V8 (90 deg.) with maximum bore diameter, fixed cylinder spacing, minimum crankshaft centre line height, minimum weight and minimum height of centre of gravity. Direct fuel injection, variable geometry inlet systems, variable geometry exhaust systems, variable valve timing and variable valve lift systems all prohibited. Only one spark plug, one coil and one injector per cylinder. Exotic materials banned.
Explanation: a 20% reduction in capacity will produce a corresponding drop in power. Constraints on design and the use of materials will significantly slow the rate of power increase and reduce the scope for using engine design to improve chassis characteristics. Keeping existing cylinder sizes retains many current engine components while keeping engine revs close to current levels.

My opinion: Bad rule. I remember they used to allow V12 in the past, soon V10 and now? V8? I always feel that rules should be set to push the technology of engine design to the maximum. This will just stifle the development of the key area of Formula 1. Soon, this sports should be called Formula Z.

5. Other engines
During 2006 and 2007, teams which cannot obtain a 2.4 litre engine will be able to use a 3 litre V10 with power restricted by means of a rev limit fixed by the FIA.
Explanation: this will ensure that all teams (including new entrants) have access to a competitive engine, even if supplies of the new 2.4 are initially restricted.

My opinion: Same as above. Slowing down the sport = BORING!