There's more on F1-Live.com, but here's the crux: The following are the proposals announced by FOTA this morning in Geneva, broken down into Technical, Sporting, Commercial and the findings of the FOTA-backed global survey into the sport. Technical 2009: More than 100% increase in mileage per engine (eight engines per driver per season) Reduction in wind tunnel and CFD (computational fluid dynamics) usage Engine available at 8 million per team per season 2010: Engine available at 5 million per team per season Gearbox available at 1. 5 million per team per season Standardised KERS (put out to tender, with a target price of 1-2 million per team per season) Target a further 50% reduction of the 2009 aerodynamic development spend Specified number of chassis, bodywork and aerodynamic development iterations (homologations) during the season Prohibition of a wide range of exotic, metallic and composite materials Standardised telemetry and radio systems Sporting 2009: Testing reduction (50%) New points-scoring system (12-9-7-5-4-3-2-1), to give greater differentiation/reward to Grand Prix winners Race starting fuel loads, tyre specifications and refuelling data to be made public 2010: Commitment to recommend new qualifying format Radical new points-scoring opportunities (eg, one constructors championship point to be awarded for the fastest race pit stop) Further testing reductions (four four-day single-car pre-season tests plus one single-car pre-season shakedown) Reduction of Grand Prix duration (250km or a maximum of one hour 40 minutes) pending the approval of the commercial rights holder Commercial 2009: Increased data provision for media Explore means by which the presentation of Formula One action can be more informatively and dynamically presented, common to other sports such as tennis and cricket, to dramatically improve engagement with the public Nominated senior team spokesman available for TV during Grand Prix Commitment to enhance consumer experience via team and FOTA websites Mandatory driver autograph sessions during Grand Prix weekends 2010: Commitment to enhance consumer experience via TV coverage
They want a points system change with a month to go before the season? http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/73562
Aren't "a wide range of exotic, metallic, and composite materials" what differentiate an F1 car from all others?
So do I, stops me from shouting at the TV like an idiot until after the last round of pitstops instead of the whole race...
I think they're talking about materials like beryllium which are incredibly expensive, and some of them highly toxic.
I think the system they are proposing is completely fair, I even like the Manufacturers getting a point for the quickest Pit Stop. Although on a historic level the points will skew the record books in the favor of the current generation of Drivers.
Anyone who gets into a debate over drivers seperated by more than a few years is insane anyway... wait... never mind.
Probably we should remember that this is really only FOTA blowing in the wind... The powers that be will be the final arbiter.