Formula 1 Rules Changes in 2011 introduction of adjustable rear wings coming soon
The rules changes introduced ahead of the 2010 Formula 1 season have already played a significant role in how the campaign has played out. The reduction in testing sessions during the season has pushed teams to utilize state-of-the-art simulators to test new set-ups. Eliminating refuelling sessions has also placed a premium on on-track performance and changed the strategy. In addition, a new scoring system has rewarded 10 drivers instead of eight and is meant to put an emphasis on winning races.
Formula 1 recently announced rules changes that are scheduled to be implemented for the start of the 2011 season. The new rules are primarily designed to increase competition and encourage more action during a race. Many of the rules and technical changes are designed to make it easier for cars to pass and increase parity within the sport.
Perhaps the most controversial change is the introduction of adjustable rear wings, which give the driver an opportunity to draft off of cars ahead of them in straights and have a better chance to pass. However, regulations will place limits on when the rear wings can be adjusted. Drivers will not be able to adjust the rear wings during the first two laps of a race. In addition, they can only make adjustments when they are within one second of another car and are at certain designated "passing points" on the track. An electronic control system will tell drivers when they can make adjustments to the position of their rear wing.
Several drivers are sceptical of the adjustable rear wing plan. Veteran Rubens Barrichello said that he feels as though the application of the rules places a driver in the lead at an unfair disadvantage because the driver trailing him can adjust their wings in order to pass while they are barred from making adjustments. Robert Kubica echoed Barrichello's sentiments, stating that being able to overtake another driver through the help of a mechanical adjustment takes the skill out of passing. Kubica also pointed out that the introduction of a moveable front wing did little to actually increase passing in the sport.
Barrichello also pointed out that the potential for dangerous accidents will be increased with the adjustable rear wing providing teams with more top line speed while overtaking other cars. This could lead to drivers resorting to desperate blocking techniques as the only way to keep from being passed. Former world champion Jenson Button added to the concerns, wondering if it will be acceptable to adjust the rear wing while overtaking lapped traffic.
Another potentially controversial rules change is the reintroduction of the 107 Percent Rule. Last used in 2002, the rule will bar any driver whose fastest qualifying lap is not within 107 percent of the top time in the Q1 session from participating from the race. This is being done to avoid having the field clogged up with slower cars that might influence a race as lapped traffic. The move could hurt smaller teams, particularly those who will be new to the sport next year. However, Formula 1 officials have said that race stewards will have the option to let teams who fail to meet the 107 percent requirement tag onto the rear of the field if they have faster times from previous practice sessions.
Although it wasn't addressed in the initial 2011 rules changes, it also appears likely that the regulations regarding the safety car will be changed before the start of the next season. There have been several controversial incidents involving drivers passing the safety car and being penalized. The most recent came in Valencia when Lewis Hamilton received a late drive-through penalty for passing the safety car during a caution period. Drivers have said that they would like to see the rules clarified and a better system be put in place for the safety car to be deployed. Changes could come as early as the British Grand Prix on July 11.
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