| The FIA management intends to limit the capabilities of the cars A difficult dilemma will soon have to be resolved by all people involved in Formula 1 - how to improve the safety of racing, but at the same time maintain its popularity. The risk inherent in this sport is undoubtedly one of its most attractive aspects. The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) appears to have a different opinion. Federation President Max Mosley is confident that only reducing speeds can make racing safer. More and more proposals are emerging from the depths of his department, designed to slow down Schumacher and the company.
So the other day an updated version of the same idea appeared. It touched on almost all the fundamental elements of the modern Formula - aerodynamics, tires, engines. The only thing left untouched was the electronics, of which little was left. At the same time, Mosley insists that all changes must be adopted next year, and threatens, in case of disagreement, to use his right to force the teams to accept the amendments if response proposals are not put forward before the FIA meeting scheduled for September 6 this year.
New requirements for the aerodynamics of cars, according to FIA experts, should reduce downforce by up to 25%, which will lead to a loss of speed in fast corners. Changing tires during the race will be prohibited. The driver will be able to use only two sets of tires - one for practice on Friday and Saturday, and the other for qualifying and the race. If during the race one of the tires is damaged, then a tire from those used during the free races can be used for replacement. But the car cannot be refueled while changing a tire. A tire that travels 350 kilometers, rather than 80 as it is now, will have less grip, which will lead to a decrease in speed and an increase in braking distance.
The engine life should also be increased to two races. To improve reliability, automakers will be forced to reduce both maximum and average engine power. Since 2006, a new engine formula has been introduced - a V-shaped “eight” with a volume of 2.4 liters. Direct fuel injection, valve timing and variable engine geometry, and the use of exotic materials are prohibited. Only one spark plug and one injector per cylinder. For 2006 and 2007, teams unable to obtain the 2.4-litre engines will use 3.0-litre ten-cylinder engines with a power limit that will be controlled by the FIA.
A roar of discontent was immediately heard from many teams: the “amputation” of two cylinders would cost a tidy sum. Who will pay? And how will the fan react? Are spectators, accustomed to the most advanced and fastest cars, ready to pay for a return to the last century? And most importantly, is it possible to stop the victorious progress of Schumacher and Ferrari with these measures?
Mosley's current position is not to be envied. Criticism coming from all sides forced the Englishman to declare his desire to leave his high post, which he has held continuously since 1993, ahead of schedule. Even Bernie Ecclestone, a loyal friend and ally, without whom not a single more or less important decision was made, this time found himself on the other side of the barricades. The owner of Formula 1 was also dissatisfied with the new proposals of the FIA. In his opinion, the fact that since the last wave of serious changes to the technical regulations on the chassis, the speed has increased by about nine seconds per lap, does not in itself affect safety, which is confirmed by the insignificant number of accidents where someone is injured.
In general, old Bernie has recently burst into unexpected revelations. It turned out that he has very non-standard answers to a number of pressing questions. The 73-year-old Englishman seems to be nostalgic for his youth: “Don’t look for flaws in the rules that have made Formula 1 less interesting. Now pilots are slaves of their sponsors; they did not come to motorsport for the sake of racing, as it was before. Where can beautiful racing come from if none of the young people are able to impress with their success on the track?”
Everything is correct, if you don’t remember that it was Ecclestone who turned Formula 1 from a sport into a business. But maybe now he will be able to do the opposite. “The championship needs people with character, bright personalities,” Bernie continues his reasoning. — Previously, you could talk to any pilot and laugh about something, but now, if they talk, it’s only about their sponsors. Therefore, we do not hear any loud statements, no criticism, no scandals. After all, this may affect the amount of the contract and interfere with relationships with patrons. Racers want to get as much as possible and do as little as possible, although their job is to entertain the public, and they feel that the whole world owes them a debt.”
It’s not for nothing that the epithet “big circus” has long been attached to Formula. Dmitry SITNIK |
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