I've been reading up on various forums lately and thought it would be a good idea to share the changes we will see with the cars and racing next year, in a simplistic way:
- Smaller diffusers - reducing diffuser height from 175mm to 125mm and at the same time banning what we've learnt to call Double Decker Diffusers. All slots in the diffuser used this year for blowing exhaust gasses are also banned. They are however still allowed to blow exhaust gasses over the top of the diffuser. This ban will possibly lead to a slightly shorter wheelbase for some.
- It was agreed within FOTA not to run KERS in 2010 but this 'ban' is no more from 2011.
- Adjustable rear wings will be introduced, mimicing what the 'F-ducts' have done this year. However, there will be quite complicated rules around it. I think the essence of the rule is something like that you can only use it when you're 1 second behind the next car.
- 'F-ducts' (because they are driver controlled) are banned for next year, including the 'anvil' (basically the huge bit over the engine that has sent all the air to the rear wing this year, used by almost every team - might also give better aero stability?). However, they will still be allowed to passively blow air to the rear wing, like BMW did in 2009.
- Pirelli P-Zero tyres. Gives every team a major challenge in balancing their car to work with all new compounds.
- Mandatory weight distribution of 46/54 front/rear, giving everyone an equal chance to find the balance with the new tyres. This is only for 2011.
- All 'inventive' airboxes like what Mercedes have used this year are banned. They all have to run the 'traditional' layout.
- The minimum weight of the cars goes up from 620 to 640 kg.
- Adjustable front wings will be banned (need source)?
- Double amount of wheel tethers - the load-bearing cables connecting tyres to the bodywork
I think that's it. If I'm wrong or have missed out on something, share it!
- Smaller diffusers - reducing diffuser height from 175mm to 125mm and at the same time banning what we've learnt to call Double Decker Diffusers. All slots in the diffuser used this year for blowing exhaust gasses are also banned. They are however still allowed to blow exhaust gasses over the top of the diffuser. This ban will possibly lead to a slightly shorter wheelbase for some.
- It was agreed within FOTA not to run KERS in 2010 but this 'ban' is no more from 2011.
- Adjustable rear wings will be introduced, mimicing what the 'F-ducts' have done this year. However, there will be quite complicated rules around it. I think the essence of the rule is something like that you can only use it when you're 1 second behind the next car.
- 'F-ducts' (because they are driver controlled) are banned for next year, including the 'anvil' (basically the huge bit over the engine that has sent all the air to the rear wing this year, used by almost every team - might also give better aero stability?). However, they will still be allowed to passively blow air to the rear wing, like BMW did in 2009.
- Pirelli P-Zero tyres. Gives every team a major challenge in balancing their car to work with all new compounds.
- Mandatory weight distribution of 46/54 front/rear, giving everyone an equal chance to find the balance with the new tyres. This is only for 2011.
- All 'inventive' airboxes like what Mercedes have used this year are banned. They all have to run the 'traditional' layout.
- The minimum weight of the cars goes up from 620 to 640 kg.
- Adjustable front wings will be banned (need source)?
- Double amount of wheel tethers - the load-bearing cables connecting tyres to the bodywork
I think that's it. If I'm wrong or have missed out on something, share it!
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