Rules and Regulations 2008

Traction Control: More emphasis has been placed on driver skill and concentration, by banning the usage of traction control which prevented the rear wheels from spinning if the driver applied too much power. This will make the test the drivers over taking skills and one can expect a lot of errors and miscalculations on track this year.

Electronic Control Units (ECUs): From 2008, standardised FIA approved ECUs that control the electronics of the car will be made mandatory for all teams. Also, the new ECUs will have to run on FIA approved software to allow the them to monitor the cars' performance.

Engine Changes : Just like 2007, the drivers will have to use the same engine for consecutive race events. If the engine fails prior to the race day in the qualifying or the practice session, the driver will be given a grid penalty. He will be penalised with 10 places if the engine change was made before the qualifying starts or alternatively will have to start at the back of the grid in case the engine had to be changed after the qualifying session. In 2008, there has been a slight amendment to that rule. Now, the driver will be allowed one 'free' change per season, unless the change takes place in the final round.

Gear Boxes: To improve reliability and cut costs the gear boxes will have to last for at least four consecutive GP meetings. If there is an unscheduled gear box change then the driver will be required to start five places behind his qualifying position. If he fails to finish the race, the driver can opt for a new gear box without being penalised.

Qualifying : A very slight change to the knockout qualifying format has been made, the duration of Q1 has been increased from 15 to 20 minutes, and the Q3 timing has been cut from 15 to 10 minutes. The Q2 duration however, remains 15 minutes long, just like last year. Furthermore, the cars that make it to Q3 will have to start the race with whatever fuel is left in the car at the end of the qualifying round.

Cockpit Safety: One of the most visible differences that will be spotted in the car design, will be an increase in the height of the cockpit padding to further increase head protection in the event of an impact.

Biofuel : This move is to support the environmental concerns and to make F1 more eco-friendly than ever. The new rule included by FIA states that at lease 5.75% of all fuel will have to contain biomatter and all cars will have to be designed to be biofuel compliant.