We recently did a feature on who’s going where this season. With Australian GP this weekend here’s a small list of major changes this season in terms of rules and regulations which we think might affect the game. So grab that ‘weekend cuppa’ and read along.
While there is no major technical overhaul happening this season, there are some interesting rule changes, which should make the season a little more interesting and let’s hope as unpredictable and competitive as the last one; with major changes happening in the ruling of the use of DRS during practice and qualifying and the increase in the weight of the Pirelli tyres.
DRS, DRS, DRS
Since its inception in Formula 1, you just can’t keep Drag Reduction system out. It has managed to turn the game on its head and brought it on a more even keel for the top players. In the 2013 season, the drivers will be able to take advantage of the DRS only in the DRS zones during the free practice and qualifying sessions. Apparently this has been done to increase safety, but will surely play in the hands of the lesser teams which have not been able to take full advantage of the system.
Ugly No More
There’s no denying the fact that the F1 cars were kind of found wanting when it came to the looks department since 2011 because of those weird stepped noses. And the FIA has finally taken note of the same and is allowing the manufacturers to get a nose job done on their cars calling them vanity panels.
Front Wing Flexing
Last season, we saw the front wings of most cars flexing dramatically as if made of rubber and almost touching the ground on many occasions. The FIA has introduced some stringent deflection testing this season to reduce the same.
Pirelli Tyres
Since making their comeback in to the sport in 2011, the Pirelli tryes have been criticized for being a little fragile but at the same time have managed to add more excitement to the sport. This season Pirelli claims to have used advanced compounds which will lead to better performance periods thus making tyre strategy even more important.
Increased Weight Limit
The biggest development though still might be the increase in the weight of the Pirelli tyres which has resulted in the increase in the minimum weight limit of the Formula 1 car by 2 kgs to 642kg from last year’s 640kg. This has resulted in changes of the mandatory weight distribution of the car and like last year we can expect some of the manufacturers to take advantage of the same.
Force Majeure
This law has been introduced to dissuade the cars from stopping in the middle of the track during qualifying. Cars that stop should have enough fuel to return to the pits along with the additional one-litre sample testing fuel required by FIA.
Do not forget to catch the Australian Grandprix which begins with qualifying today at 11.30 IST. You can also follow DNA India on Facebook or Twitter for the Qualifying / Race results and updates.
