Full list of F1 cost-saving measures
Discussion
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/72459
Autosport.com said:
The full list of cost-cutting measures
Friday, December 12th 2008, 13:10 GMT
The World Motor Sport Council met in Monaco on 12 December 2008. The following decisions were taken:
FORMULA ONE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
The following measures to reduce costs in Formula One have been agreed by the World Motor Sport Council. These proposed changes have the unanimous agreement of the Formula One teams, who have played a major role in their development. The FIA is grateful to the Formula One Teams' Association (FOTA) and its Chairman Luca di Montezemolo for their incisive contribution.
2009
Engine
Engine life to be doubled. Each driver will use a maximum of eight engines for the season plus four for testing (thus 20 per team).
Limit of 18,000 rpm.
No internal re-tuning. Adjustment to trumpets and injectors only.
The three-race rule voted on 5 November remains in force.
Cost of engines to independent teams will be approximately 50% of 2008 prices.
Unanimous agreement was reached on a list of proposed changes to the Renault engine for 2009; all other engines will remain unchanged. Comparative testing will not be necessary.
Testing
No in-season testing except during race weekend during scheduled practice.
Aerodynamic research
No wind tunnel exceeding 60% scale and 50 metres/sec to be used after 1 January 2009.
A formula to balance wind tunnel-based research against CFD research, if agreed between the teams, will be proposed to the FIA.
Factory activity
Factory closures for six weeks per year, to accord with local laws.
Race weekend
Manpower to be reduced by means of a number of measures, including sharing information on tyres and fuel to eliminate the need for "spotters".
Sporting spectacle
Market research is being conducted to gauge the public reaction to a number of new ideas, including possible changes to qualifying and a proposal for the substitution of medals for points for the drivers. Proposals will be submitted to the FIA when the results of the market research are known.
Note: It is estimated that these changes for 2009 will save the manufacturer teams approximately 30% of their budgets compared to 2008, while the savings for independent teams will be even greater.
2010
Power train
Engines will be available to the independent teams for less than €5 million per team per season. These will either come from an independent supplier or be supplied by the manufacturer teams backed by guarantees of continuity. If an independent supplier, the deal will be signed no later than 20 December 2008.
This same engine will continue to be used in 2011 and 2012 (thus no new engine for 2011).
Subject to confirmation of practicability, the same transmission will be used by all teams.
Chassis
A list of all elements of the chassis will be prepared and a decision taken in respect of each element as to whether or not it will remain a performance differentiator (competitive element).
Some elements which remain performance differentiators will be homologated for the season.
Some elements will remain performance differentiators, but use inexpensive materials.
Elements which are not performance differentiators will be prescriptive and be obtained or manufactured in the most economical possible way.
Race weekend
Standardised radio and telemetry systems.
Ban on tyre warmers.
Ban on mechanical purging of tyres.
Ban on refueling.
Possible reduction in race distance or duration (proposal to follow market research).
Factory activity
Further restrictions on aerodynamic research.
Ban on tyre force rigs (other than vertical force rigs).
Full analysis of factory facilities with a view to proposing further restrictions on facilities.
Longer term
The FIA and FOTA will study the possibility of an entirely new power train for 2013 based on energy efficiency (obtaining more work from less energy consumed). Rules to be framed so as to ensure that research and development of such a power train would make a real contribution to energy-efficient road transport.
An enhanced Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS) system is likely to be a very significant element of an energy-efficient power train in the future. In the short term, KERS is part of the 2009 regulations, but is not compulsory. For 2010 FOTA is considering proposals for a standard KERS system. The FIA awaits proposals.
A number of further amendments were adopted for the 2009 and 2010 Sporting and Technical Regulations.
I haven't managed to digest it all, but I have noticed that buried in amongst that is a re-fuelling ban for 2010! Friday, December 12th 2008, 13:10 GMT
The World Motor Sport Council met in Monaco on 12 December 2008. The following decisions were taken:
FORMULA ONE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
The following measures to reduce costs in Formula One have been agreed by the World Motor Sport Council. These proposed changes have the unanimous agreement of the Formula One teams, who have played a major role in their development. The FIA is grateful to the Formula One Teams' Association (FOTA) and its Chairman Luca di Montezemolo for their incisive contribution.
2009
Engine
Engine life to be doubled. Each driver will use a maximum of eight engines for the season plus four for testing (thus 20 per team).
Limit of 18,000 rpm.
No internal re-tuning. Adjustment to trumpets and injectors only.
The three-race rule voted on 5 November remains in force.
Cost of engines to independent teams will be approximately 50% of 2008 prices.
Unanimous agreement was reached on a list of proposed changes to the Renault engine for 2009; all other engines will remain unchanged. Comparative testing will not be necessary.
Testing
No in-season testing except during race weekend during scheduled practice.
Aerodynamic research
No wind tunnel exceeding 60% scale and 50 metres/sec to be used after 1 January 2009.
A formula to balance wind tunnel-based research against CFD research, if agreed between the teams, will be proposed to the FIA.
Factory activity
Factory closures for six weeks per year, to accord with local laws.
Race weekend
Manpower to be reduced by means of a number of measures, including sharing information on tyres and fuel to eliminate the need for "spotters".
Sporting spectacle
Market research is being conducted to gauge the public reaction to a number of new ideas, including possible changes to qualifying and a proposal for the substitution of medals for points for the drivers. Proposals will be submitted to the FIA when the results of the market research are known.
Note: It is estimated that these changes for 2009 will save the manufacturer teams approximately 30% of their budgets compared to 2008, while the savings for independent teams will be even greater.
2010
Power train
Engines will be available to the independent teams for less than €5 million per team per season. These will either come from an independent supplier or be supplied by the manufacturer teams backed by guarantees of continuity. If an independent supplier, the deal will be signed no later than 20 December 2008.
This same engine will continue to be used in 2011 and 2012 (thus no new engine for 2011).
Subject to confirmation of practicability, the same transmission will be used by all teams.
Chassis
A list of all elements of the chassis will be prepared and a decision taken in respect of each element as to whether or not it will remain a performance differentiator (competitive element).
Some elements which remain performance differentiators will be homologated for the season.
Some elements will remain performance differentiators, but use inexpensive materials.
Elements which are not performance differentiators will be prescriptive and be obtained or manufactured in the most economical possible way.
Race weekend
Standardised radio and telemetry systems.
Ban on tyre warmers.
Ban on mechanical purging of tyres.
Ban on refueling.
Possible reduction in race distance or duration (proposal to follow market research).
Factory activity
Further restrictions on aerodynamic research.
Ban on tyre force rigs (other than vertical force rigs).
Full analysis of factory facilities with a view to proposing further restrictions on facilities.
Longer term
The FIA and FOTA will study the possibility of an entirely new power train for 2013 based on energy efficiency (obtaining more work from less energy consumed). Rules to be framed so as to ensure that research and development of such a power train would make a real contribution to energy-efficient road transport.
An enhanced Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS) system is likely to be a very significant element of an energy-efficient power train in the future. In the short term, KERS is part of the 2009 regulations, but is not compulsory. For 2010 FOTA is considering proposals for a standard KERS system. The FIA awaits proposals.
A number of further amendments were adopted for the 2009 and 2010 Sporting and Technical Regulations.
looks pretty drastic to me.
reduction in race distance? so, sprint races then. great, just what we need. suppose it will keep those with short attention spans interested.
reduction in revs? bad idea, suppose it works in making the engines last longer, but i'd prefer a higher revving engine.
the medals instead of points idea is a complete joke and if it goes through, i can see many fans not bothering with F1 anymore. me for one.
speaking about this all with another guy at work, it seems a waste of money for teams with existing stuff like 100% scale tunnels, warming blankets etc. all this stuff is already owned/in use, so will have to be scrapped. so a huge waste.
reduction in race distance? so, sprint races then. great, just what we need. suppose it will keep those with short attention spans interested.
reduction in revs? bad idea, suppose it works in making the engines last longer, but i'd prefer a higher revving engine.
the medals instead of points idea is a complete joke and if it goes through, i can see many fans not bothering with F1 anymore. me for one.
speaking about this all with another guy at work, it seems a waste of money for teams with existing stuff like 100% scale tunnels, warming blankets etc. all this stuff is already owned/in use, so will have to be scrapped. so a huge waste.
Edited by stew-S160 on Friday 12th December 13:49
I noticed the one about refuelling too - lifted my spirits.
Overall, it looks like a good package of measures which should make it worth going to Grand Prix meetings on Fridays too.
Not sure how those teams with full size tunnels will feel about it - I guess they will become income generators for them rather than costs as they will now be able to hire them out to other organisations.
Being cynical, how much testing of the GP2 car will go on at Fiorano now? I hope that as Di Monty is heading FOTA his team will stick within the spirit of this rule and not take advantage of the in house facilities they have. Actually, a complete ban on testing seems a little OTT to me. I know it is very expensive, but everyone from club racers upwards has the chance to do a bit of testing. OK, technology allows lots of testing to be done away from the track, but there surely can't be a substitute for seat of the pants feel. How will drivers like Alonso be able to bring extra time to a team now if they aren't allowed to test?
Overall, it looks like a good package of measures which should make it worth going to Grand Prix meetings on Fridays too.
Not sure how those teams with full size tunnels will feel about it - I guess they will become income generators for them rather than costs as they will now be able to hire them out to other organisations.
Being cynical, how much testing of the GP2 car will go on at Fiorano now? I hope that as Di Monty is heading FOTA his team will stick within the spirit of this rule and not take advantage of the in house facilities they have. Actually, a complete ban on testing seems a little OTT to me. I know it is very expensive, but everyone from club racers upwards has the chance to do a bit of testing. OK, technology allows lots of testing to be done away from the track, but there surely can't be a substitute for seat of the pants feel. How will drivers like Alonso be able to bring extra time to a team now if they aren't allowed to test?
Edited by andyps on Friday 12th December 13:45
None of that looks too bad.
18k rpm limit is a shame but probably what's needed to ensure engine life is extended to 3 races.
Common gearbox and some chassis parts is sensible enough.
Tyre warmers banned is I think an irrelevance compared to the running costs of a team.
Banning refueling from 2010 - never thought I'd see the day - brilliant!
Not very impressed with making full size wind tunnels obsolete.
Think that test days were good not only for teams to do development work, but also to give the fans a point of interest between races, so sad to see them go.
All in all I think it's good, and I hope Spanky doesn't try to claim the credit here cos it seems that these measures have more of the sniff of teams' solidarity about them than FIA diktat.
18k rpm limit is a shame but probably what's needed to ensure engine life is extended to 3 races.
Common gearbox and some chassis parts is sensible enough.
Tyre warmers banned is I think an irrelevance compared to the running costs of a team.
Banning refueling from 2010 - never thought I'd see the day - brilliant!
Not very impressed with making full size wind tunnels obsolete.
Think that test days were good not only for teams to do development work, but also to give the fans a point of interest between races, so sad to see them go.
All in all I think it's good, and I hope Spanky doesn't try to claim the credit here cos it seems that these measures have more of the sniff of teams' solidarity about them than FIA diktat.
Interesting proposals and, like everyone else it seems, I'm very happy about the refueling ban. It's always been a no brainer imho, look at the benefits:
- more racing on track (though this would be further enhanced by tyres that could last a full race distance)
- less danger in the pits
- encourages better fuel consumption simultaneoulsy appeasing the green lobby and reducing costs
- less equipment to lug to a race weekend
- less pit personnel required
Some other good stuff in there as well, very interesting about the changes allowed to the Renault engine for next year. Would love to know the full story behind that - did all the other engine manufacturers hold up their hands and say 'yes, we changed ours and accept Renault didn't' or did Renault threaten to do a Honda and leave F1 if they were forced to continue with an uncompetitive engine next year (even though they were competitive enough to win twice this year!).
- more racing on track (though this would be further enhanced by tyres that could last a full race distance)
- less danger in the pits
- encourages better fuel consumption simultaneoulsy appeasing the green lobby and reducing costs
- less equipment to lug to a race weekend
- less pit personnel required
Some other good stuff in there as well, very interesting about the changes allowed to the Renault engine for next year. Would love to know the full story behind that - did all the other engine manufacturers hold up their hands and say 'yes, we changed ours and accept Renault didn't' or did Renault threaten to do a Honda and leave F1 if they were forced to continue with an uncompetitive engine next year (even though they were competitive enough to win twice this year!).
Seems like yet further restrictions to the design of the car. The 'performance differentiators' won't be enough to make the racing interesting. All the cars will be basically the same and drive basically the same.
Sounds like an extremely boring series, even more so if the races are shortened.
Sounds like an extremely boring series, even more so if the races are shortened.
groomi said:
All the cars will be basically the same and drive basically the same.
Pretty much as now, except with less money being spent to achieve the same things for all teams?There will still be scope to develop, and the best engineers in the best-run teams will still deliver the best cars. And the best chief mechanics will get the best out of changing conditions etc etc etc.
I don't see why a standard wheel hub, or gearbox, or brake pedal, will cause any damage to a sport that is already tightly nailed down re technical development.
I assume the FIA's aim is for the money saved to either allow smaller teams to still compete, or move things like KERS to the forefront and therefore yield more relevant technological advances to road cars. Doesn't sound like a terrible thing.
As for a boring series:
a) did you watch the last race of this season?
b) if after the new aero regs have come in next season the racing is boring, I'll agree.
...but not on the face of those changes, or these.
FNG said:
groomi said:
All the cars will be basically the same and drive basically the same.
Pretty much as now, except with less money being spent to achieve the same things for all teams?There will still be scope to develop, and the best engineers in the best-run teams will still deliver the best cars. And the best chief mechanics will get the best out of changing conditions etc etc etc.
I don't see why a standard wheel hub, or gearbox, or brake pedal, will cause any damage to a sport that is already tightly nailed down re technical development.
I assume the FIA's aim is for the money saved to either allow smaller teams to still compete, or move things like KERS to the forefront and therefore yield more relevant technological advances to road cars. Doesn't sound like a terrible thing.
As for a boring series:
a) did you watch the last race of this season?
b) if after the new aero regs have come in next season the racing is boring, I'll agree.
...but not on the face of those changes, or these.
b) I hope against all hope that the new aero makes a huuuuge difference, because if it doesn't then the ever tightening regulations are just killing the series.
woof said:
Is that an admission that Renault we cheating and continued to develop their engine during 2008 ?
I read it that they hadn't done the "development" that the others had...ie, they were the ones NOT to take advantage of "improving reliability"...although how that squares with the work they were sanctioned to carry out late in the season I do not know.Ban on refuelling. About bleedin' time...
Edited by DrTre on Friday 12th December 14:49
woof said:
"Unanimous agreement was reached on a list of proposed changes to the Renault engine for 2009; all other engines will remain unchanged. Comparative testing will not be necessary."
Is that an admission that Renault we cheating and continued to develop their engine during 2008 ?
I wondered what that really meant too.Is that an admission that Renault we cheating and continued to develop their engine during 2008 ?
mchammer89 said:
stew-S160 said:
i can see many fans not bothering with F1 anymore. me for one.
The same thing was said after Spa, but I haven't noticed a significant drop in the amount of people talking about F1 races.DrTre said:
"Ban on mechanical purging of tyres."
please could someone enlighten me?
And me, I couldn't figure that one either.please could someone enlighten me?
Engine supplier deal to be signed by December 20th - that doesn't leave long for agreement on pricing the engines from current sources.
One potential negative I did notice in the list is the reduction in the length of races - anything shorter would not be good enough in my view - 1.5 to 2 hours is about right in my view.
We must make sure the market research is appropriately responded to in relation to medals instead of points.
I really hope this medals idea doesn't get in.
The wealthy dwarf thinks all sports have medals rather than points (as I read the other week). How wrong can you be, other than the Olympics I can't think of a sport that does have medals.
Football; Points table
Rugby; Points Table
Cricket; Points table
Tennis; knockout cup usually?
All other motorsports also use the points table method, so why change F1?
Also, introducing medals would f
k up the constructor's...
The wealthy dwarf thinks all sports have medals rather than points (as I read the other week). How wrong can you be, other than the Olympics I can't think of a sport that does have medals.
Football; Points table
Rugby; Points Table
Cricket; Points table
Tennis; knockout cup usually?
All other motorsports also use the points table method, so why change F1?
Also, introducing medals would f
k up the constructor's...Gassing Station | General Motorsport | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff