The Formula One cards are being reshuffled for the coming season. Radical changes in many different areas are presenting the teams and drivers with new challenges.

What started in 2008, with the introduction of standardised electronic control units and the extended operating time for gearboxes, is now being taken to the next level. Formula One is preparing itself for a new era, in which the responsible usage of resources forms a cornerstone of the regulations for the pinnacle of motorsport.

BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen explains the consequences of the new regulations: “In the future, the cars will look completely different, due to the aerodynamic cutbacks. Roughly speaking: the front wing will be bulkier, dramatic restrictions are in place on the usage of additional fins and air shields, and the rear wing will be smaller but jut out further. Furthermore, slicks are back. On top of all this, the introduction of the Kinetic Energy Recovery System KERS is on our doorstep. All this means that the drivers must adjust to new features in three important areas. It also means the engineers have a lot of work to do.”

The new regulations see the FIA pursuing a priority objective: simplifying the aerodynamics should encourage more overtaking manoeuvres on the track. In the past, the air turbulence caused by the car in front meant the rear car in any duel lost downforce to the front axle. This made it difficult to convert the advantage of having a faster car into a successful overtaking manoeuvre. The new regulations are intended to significantly reduce the effects of “dirty air”. In addition, Formula One once again plays an important role at the cutting edge of development in automotive technology thanks to KERS.

Source: BMW Sauber F1 Team