Formula One: The new 2011 rules of FIA
There are a lot of reasons to anticipate for the 2011 season. Although the exciting grid holding five world champions together after 30 years, the trail of the most thrilling season ever (2010) in the sports’ history and finally the pledges of Michael Schumacher
was although a big treat for the Formula One fans, but still there is much more than this to be seen next year. Just like the beginning of any other Formula One season, 2011 is also going to see some very exciting changes in the FIA regulations.
These changes have over the years become a part of the sport. After every season, FIA makes some important changes to bring more excitement and action on the track while assuring better budget and safety plans. Some of the major modifications for the next
year include the re-introduction of KERS, the switching of tyres from Bridgestone to Pirelli, the adjustable rear wings etc.
The biggest bang of the 2010 track was the introduction of the double diffuser, and the F-Duct. However, both the systems will not be seen next year. Both these overused technical advancements, are banned as FIA has now disallowed any such system or device
through which the driver movement is used to alter the aerodynamic characteristics of the car.
The other most exciting comeback for next season is the Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS). The device made its debut on the track in 2009, but was banned by FIA at the start of the 2010 season as it is unaffordable by many of the teams owing to its high
cost. However, as teams now prepare their next season’s car, once again it has made its way back in the sport only after a year’s time. Some of the teams like McLaren, that have already used it, really believe that its return is a blessing while others, especially
the new teams think it will further let them off pace.
However, one big challenge, for all the teams that will be using KERS, is the packaging of the system. Last time when it was run, refuelling was not banned and teams did not have to take fuel for the entire race, however, now with banned refuelling coping
with the weight of the system and fuel for the entire trace is a tough thing.
The other very big change in the sport for the upcoming season is the return of Pirelli in the sport. Until the last race of the 2010 season, Bridgestone has served to be the sole tyre supplier to the sport. The Japanese tyre company and Formula One has stayed
together for 13 years, while the next season is now going to see the super speed cars fleeing across the tracks with the Italian company, Pirelli. It will be the sole tyre supplier to all the teams, starting from the curtain raiser, the Bahrain Grand Prix.
Pirelli, which has not returned to the sport ever since 1991, has initially signed a contract for the next three years, and further deal will be signed after reviewing these three seasons. The initial two-day test was held at Abu Dhabi just after the last
race of the season while last week saw another five-day test in Bahrain.
The other, very exciting new addition for the next season is the new moveable rear wing that will be operated from the cockpit while the design of the current flexible front wing is forbidden for next year. With this new introduction, it is expected that
the upcoming races will see a lot more over taking moves, which is of course going to bring a lot more drama and thrill to the sport.
With these, and several other changes in the FIA regulations, the next season is going to offer a mega treat to the race fans and a lot of challenge to the teams as well as the drivers.
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