Formula 1 Jam

It is less that two weeks to go to the opening race of the 2009 season. As the teams prepare themselves to go racing, it is time for us fans to be prepared for the changes that we are going to see.

Towards the end of the 2007 season, in a view to make more dramatic racing and reduce the cost of running a Formula One team, FIA decided on major rule changes for the 2009 and later seasons. Already engines were expected to survive two race weekends in 07 but nobody was prepared for the changes to be brought about for the 09 season.

Most of the rule changes were added to make the racing more close. Changes were made in aerodynamics of the cars to reduce the aerodynamic downforce produced on the cars. Slicks were introduced to recover a part of the lost grip and movable front wing was added to make the racing exciting.

KERS will be a new joker available for teams to make use of the energy recoverable during breaking. A move very obvioulsly intended to make the sport more environment friendly. Engines are expected to last 3 race weekends but not necessarily consecutive race weekends. Engines are also tuned down this season to 18000 rpm in a bid to make them last longer.

Safety car rules are again tweaked to reduce the possibility of other cars being damaged after a major accident. Testing slots also takes a big hit as in season testing is entirely banned. Another major cost reduction move.

So how will all these rules effect your favorite sport? Will these rule changes work in favour or against your favorite driver and team?
In the next few posts we will revisit these rule changes and discuss how it is going to effect the visual spectacle of Formula one Racing.