01/05/2018
NEWS STORY
Despite the overtaking fests that were the Chinese and Azerbaijan Grands Prix, concerned at the meagre 5 passes in Melbourne and the fact that overtaking was 50% down in 2017 compared to the previous year, a number of changes have been approved for next season.
Following a presentation made to the teams at the Bahrain Grand Prix - at which were against the idea - of proposals aimed at promoting closer racing and more overtaking, the Strategy Group, the F1 Commission and the World Motor Sport Council yesterday approved a number of regulation changes for the 2019 season.
The changes, approved by e-vote, are as follows:
Simplified front wing, with a larger span, and low outwash potential
Simplified front brake duct with no winglets
Wider and deeper rear wing
Yesterday's vote follows an intense period of research into the FIA's initial proposals, which were made with the support of the F1 Commercial Rights Holder, conducted by a majority of the F1 teams.
These studies indicated the strong likelihood of a positive impact on racing and overtaking within F1 and as such have now been ratified for implementation in 2019.
The approved changes are separate to the ongoing work being undertaken in regard to defining Formula 1's regulations for 2021 and beyond.
In addition to the aerodynamic changes ratified yesterday, the FIA is continuing to evaluate a range of other measures aimed at encouraging closer racing and boosting overtaking in F1.
This comes in the wake of other changes announced for next season including an increase in the race fuel allowance, which, it is hoped, will allow drivers to race at full power for longer, and also the separation of driver weight from car weight in a bid to end the disadvantage of heavier drivers.
Yesterday (April 30) marked the deadline for such a move in terms of needing a majority vote, after that time unanimous agreement would have been required.
However, with Ferrari's veto still available the Italian team may yet make a bid to hijack the proposal though this would entail the Maranello outfit having to prove that the move was against its interests.