How the F1 rules changes for 2009 are meant to improve racing (part 1/3)

Posted on

| Written by

Over the last three years the rules that govern F1 have remained remarkably stable. In recent times the slowest car on the track (usually a Force India) has often been within 1.5s of the fastest. Ten years ago such a slim margin was unheard of. However, that will all change as the FIA has overhauled … Continue reading How the F1 rules changes for 2009 are meant to improve racing (part 1/3)

Ferrari and BMW’s clash over KERS could signal a threat to FOTA unity

Posted on

| Written by

The first fault line has opened in what so far has been the impressively solid unity of the Formula 1 Teams’ Association. Speaking at Ferrari’s annual press skiing event, Stefano Domenicali complained that BMW had vetoed the efforts of the other teams to postpone the introduction of Kinetic Energy Recovery Systems (KERS) for 2009 due … Continue reading Ferrari and BMW’s clash over KERS could signal a threat to FOTA unity

The cost-cutting plans: development

Posted on

| Written by

Perhaps the most significant aspect of the cost-cutting plan for F1 approved by the World Motor Sports Council today is the restrictions on development. Not only are dramatic changes planned for 2009, but even tighter controls are envisioned for the future to keep costs down. Is it enough to prevent more teams leaving Formula 1? … Continue reading The cost-cutting plans: development

F1 2009: 10 questions for the off-season

Posted on

| Written by

As the 2008 F1 season ends on a high we now look forward to what should be one of the most fascinating off-seasons for many years. With radical changes to the technical rules, fraught political tension between the rule-makers and the teams, and two holes suddenly appearing in the calendar, these are the questions that … Continue reading F1 2009: 10 questions for the off-season

Ferrari and Toyota threaten to quit F1 if Max Mosley forces standard engines

Posted on

| Written by

Ferrari, F1’s oldest team, has threatened to quit over standard engines First Toyota, now Ferrari is threatening to pull its F1 team if Max Mosley persists with his plan to make all F1 teams use the same engine: The Ferrari Board of Directors expressed strong concerns regarding plans to standardise engines as it felt that … Continue reading Ferrari and Toyota threaten to quit F1 if Max Mosley forces standard engines

John Beamer’s F1 tech file: Singapore

Posted on

| Written by

John Beamer, editor of F1-Pitlane, takes a look at the teams’ technical developments from the Singapore Grand Prix. The Singapore Grand Prix couldn’t have provided a more stark contrast to Monza two weeks ago. The tight, twisty street circuit snaking its way around Marina Bay called for a high downforce set-up, very different to the … Continue reading John Beamer’s F1 tech file: Singapore

KERS causing problems for F1 teams

Posted on

| Written by

The new-for-2009 Kinetic Energy Recovery Systems (KERS) are starting to make their first appearances on F1 test machinery. However two teams have run into early problems with the devices. First Red Bull suffered a fire at their factory while working on the systems. And today a BMW mechanic got an electric shock while testing the … Continue reading KERS causing problems for F1 teams

McLaren’s technical innovations have put the MP4/23 ahead of the pack

Posted on

| Written by

McLaren have made a clear step forward in performance in the last two races and Ferrari have struggled to compete. What has made McLaren so competitive all of a sudden? Like every other team they constantly develop their car through the season but three particular changes seem to have made a significant different: a new … Continue reading McLaren’s technical innovations have put the MP4/23 ahead of the pack

What F1 can learn from NASCAR II

Posted on

| Written by

Regular F1 Fanatic commenter Robert McKay has written a guest article looking at what F1 can learn from NASCAR – a subject we’ve looked at here before. Here’s his take on America’s favourite motor sport. I’ve recently started watching Sky’s NASCAR coverage. Readers of Keith’s other blog, Maximum Motorsport, will know he’s a bit annoyed … Continue reading What F1 can learn from NASCAR II

Problems with KERS and its impact on F1

Posted on

| Written by

Max Mosley has tried to shrug off growing demands for him to quit in the face of lurid revelations about his personal life and pushed ahead with his plans to introduce environmentally-friendly kinetic energy recovery systems (KERS) in F1 from 2009. He has written to teams outlining a vision of how a more powerful KERS … Continue reading Problems with KERS and its impact on F1

Skip to toolbar