Inside Formula 1
Formula 1, also known as F1, is regulated by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), the governing body of motor sports. The word "Formula" in the name refers to criteria that both cars and drivers must meet in order to participate in any F1 event. This criteria includes aerodynamics, brakes, cockpit/ safety, cornering, driver's fitness, driver's clothing, engine/gearbox, flags, fuel, HANS, helmets, logistics, medical, overtaking, pitstops, race control, race strategy, safety car, steering wheel, suspension, testing, the race start, tyres.
Millions of people in over 200 countries avidly watch these F1 Grand Prix events. With speeds of 200 mph and more, it is not only one of the world's most expensive spectator sports but also Europe's leading market. The results of each race are combined to determine 2 World Championship events, one for drivers and one for constructors (makers of cars).
Traction control, which was reintroduced in 2001, as well as launch control and engine braking were all banned for the 2008 races. Several rule changes were also in effect including:
- Cars - The cockpit was enhanced to provide better protection. Each team was restricted to using only two cars at any time.
- ECU - A standard Electronic Control Unit was provided by Microsoft MES.
- Engine and Gearbox - An engine freeze is set for 5 years. Fuel for the cars wre to consist of 5.75% or more biological material. If a driver did not finish a race, he was allowed to change the car's gearbox for the upcoming race without receiving a penalty.
- Qualifying - Qualifying times were altered. The first part of qualifying was lengthened to 20 minutes while the final part was shortened to 10 minutes. In Q3 teams were not allowed to add fuel back to the cars. A minimum lap time was implemented from Round 3. In Q1 only the five lowest-qualified drivers would be eliminated bringing the total number of qualifiers for Q2 to fifteen.
- Testing - Teams were only allowed to carry out 18,641 miles of testing during 2008.
- Tyres - Bridgestone was selected as the official supplier of tyres for competing teams for the 2008, 2009, and 2010 seasons.
An aerodynamic breakthrough may give way to more acts of overtaking on the 2009 Formula 1 circuits. For the first time, drivers will be able to use devices from their car's cockpits that will enable them to enhance their performance in the face of turbulent air. The help of FOTA will be needed to help "investigate the use of moveable aerodynamic devices" which if implemented correctly "...could give a car following another car a performance advantage by virtue of being behind" says FIA President Max Mosley. It will be interesting to see what 2K9 brings to give cars less drag whenever they are faced with turbulence. Until then, click here to view the 2008 FIA Formula One Sprint Cup Winners.
