Spec series/cost reduction whatever you call it, here it comes!

Latest word:

Formula One Teams Association figures on Friday began to lift the lid on the mysterious 'Cost Regulation Document' that will replace Max Mosley's preferred budget cap beginning next year.

The FIA confirmed on Friday that once the legally-binding contract is signed off by the F1 teams, the Concorde Agreement can be pushed through and the recent tumultuous period of political instability sidelined at least until 2012.

Until now however the actual content of the document has been closely guarded by the FOTA alliance, and even on Friday only a few details were divulged.

Toro Rosso's Franz Tost told reporters at the Hungaroring that, quite apart from this year's frenetic rate of development, only three changes to fundamental aerodynamic parts next year will be allowed.

"For example, front wings, rear wings. They are homologated," he said.

"You can bring out three new modifications, the floor as well, the monocoque, also only one crash structure. That means that FOTA has worked out quite a good programme where we are convinced that we can reduce costs," Tost added.

Christian Horner and Stefano Domenicali, meanwhile, of the Red Bull and Ferrari teams respectively, revealed that the number of personnel per team attending races is to be capped.

Domenicali said similar staff number restrictions will not apply to factories.

"All that I can say is that we are working on a situation in order to reduce the number of people at races.

"All the other things are related to something that we will exploit internally because everyone has their own organisation, so we cannot say that everyone is doing the same thing as the others," he explained.

Horner said he believes it is FOTA's efforts to reduce costs, for example also in the areas of testing bans and summer factory closures, that paved the way for three new teams to enter the sport next year.

"I think Formula One has reacted responsibly," he said. "It's positive to see new teams entered for next year which would have been impossible, I think, without the resource restrictions that will be introduced."

 

good question - all of a sudden IRL takes front and center over the falling pinnacle of F1 "the mundane joker series"

some of the "people reduction" will be automatic when they eliminate the refueling and with only stopping for tires they should be limited to the number of individuals allowed - pit stops shouldn't be any longer than 3-4 seconds when taking the fuel out of the equation - hell, DTM gets them in and out in under that

of course Domenicali is going to say personnel restrictions will not apply to the factories - he'd have some pissed off employees and a revolt if that's the case

Carol