FOTA votes against 2013 rules change, says leave V4 and focus on aerodynamics – Formula 1 Update
Formula 1 Teams Association (FOTA) has voted against the 2013 Formula 1 changes proposed by FIA (Federation Internationale de l'Automobile), that the V4 should not be used, instead cars aerodynamics and drag of the cars should be revised to cut down the
fuel cost.
Williams’ technical director, Sam Michael, stated that FOTA has not gone against any of the major rules changes proposed by FIA, but with some tweaks.
Sam said, “The only point of contention between FOTA and the FIA has been on the tunnelled floor, having a shaped undertray.” He further explained that the cost of development around a V4 machines will be much more than investing on something that is well
understandable, aerodynamics.
The technical director added, “The teams saw it as a massive amount of investment and work for something we don't really understand. We're not scared of that but if you do spend all that money, why do that and not something you can get to very quickly and
cheaply with the current floor. The FIA understood that in the end.”
He explained that the shaped undertray will not only be a heavy investment, but the final product will also be alien for Formula 1 teams.
FOTA agreed on some of the other rules proposed by FIA, such as a revised front-wing width, shallower rear-wing, revised front nose to induce safety and a revision in the design of front-wing end plates.
FIA wanted to increase the diameter of the Formula 1 tyres, from 13 inches to 18 inches, but FOTA unanimously dropped the decision until the 2014 season.
FOTA also agreed on the use of the DRS (Drag Reduction System) for a couple of more seasons, because it has proved worthy in overtaking in the 2011 season so far.
Formula 1 team owners have collectively voted against the V4 engines and some of the other rules, but the final decision on the future of Formula 1 will be taken by FIA chief, Jean Todt, in a meeting on the Spanish Grand Prix race day.
For now, the teams have shown great unity to help keep the Formula 1 sport greener, as well as entertaining.
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