Formula 1 Jam

2009 will see the introduction of two new technologies into Formula One. KERS(Kinetic Energy Recovery System) and Movable Wings will allow teams to make dynamic changes to the power and aerodynamics of the car. What difference will these technologies make? Who will benefit the most from these rule changes? Lets find out…

Engine and KERS

For 2009 Formula One engines get few more restrictions as compared to 2008.

• The engines have been restricted to 18000 RPM (from 19000 in 2008).
• Each driver would be given 8 engines at the start of the season, these are expected to last the 17 race season. If a driver uses a 9th engine, he will will have a ten-pace grid penalty at the first race where they use it, and further similar penalties will follow if additional engines are used.

In an initiative to promote green technologies and make more road car relevant improvements to Formula One, the FIA decided to allow cars in 2009 to run Kinetic Energy Recovery System(KERS) on their cars. This is a regenerative braking device designed to recover some of the vehicle’s kinetic energy, which is normally dissipated as heat during braking. The recovered energy can be stored electrically, in a battery or supercapacitor, or mechanically, in a flywheel, for use as a source of additional accelerative power at the driver’s discretion by way of a “boost button” on the steering wheel. The regulations limit the additional power to around 82 hp for around six seconds a lap. The regulations do not make this compulsory.

KERS is a brand new direction of technology and required most of the teams to start from scratch. Considering the weight of the device and due to concerns about both limited performance gains and safety implications many teams are unlikely to use the new KERS systems for at least the start of the 2009 season.

Movable Wings

With the Aerodynamic regulations reducing downforce drastically for 2009, it seemed like that would have been enough to increase overtaking. But the lack of front end grip while following a car closely meant that more changes had to be made to aid overtaking. Step up the concept of “Movable Front Wings”

According to the 2009 regulations, cars will be allowed to use driver adjustable bodywork, in the form of adjustable flaps in the front wing. The flaps can be adjusted by up to six degrees, limited to only two adjustments per lap.

The basic idea of movable wings is to allow the driver who is following a car closely, to change the amount of downforce generated by the front wing. This will counter the loss of downforce allowing him to get in a better position to overtake the car in front.

What does this rule change mean to the fans?

More Overtaking! The rules are designed to increase overtaking during races. We might see more overtaking at the start of the season as teams take time to get used to the different technologies. Expect more closer qualifying and some amazing race starts.

Cars using KERS will have a major advantage over other cars on the starting grid, upto almost two car lengths by turn one(depending on the track). Expect some high energy starts

Which Teams/Drivers will gain an advantage from this rule change?

Teams running KERS should have a major advantage over non KERS cars. The boost button will not only allow them to get great starts but also help in overtaking and blocking. Will it be more advantageous to run a car without KERS and more ballast is a question that would be race track specific.

Drivers that have excellent understanding of their cars will be able to take more advantage of the movable wings. Movable wings can be used every lap for a slight advantage in controlling the amount of grip on chosen corners.

All in all KERS and movable wings looks like a move in the right direction for Formula One. How will they effect racing? We need to just wait a few more days to find out…