FIA Rules & Regulations 2009 - Summary
A number of changes to both the Sporting and Technical Regulations have been made by the FIA for the 2009 Formula One season. Two of the most prominent changes in the case of Sporting Regulations are – increased reliability; and cost reductions. And in the case of Technical Regulations, there are three main objectives - reducing the role of aerodynamics in the cars’ performance; making overtaking easier; and keeping lap times in check.
Tyres
As part of moves to increase the emphasis on mechanical rather than aerodynamic grip, Formula One racing returns to slick tyres this year. This will increase the tyre grip by about 20 percent, a significant performance gain. Unfortunately, that gain will be offset by the vastly reduced downforce levels of the revised aerodynamic regulations (see below), reducing performance in high speed corners. Drivers will have the choice of two dry tyre compounds and will also have to use both compounds during a race. A green band on the sidewall will distinguish the softer compound.
Kinetic Energy Recovery Systems (KERS)
As its name implies, a KERS recovers the (normally wasted) kinetic energy generated by the car’s braking process. This energy is stored using a mechanical flywheel or an electrical battery and then made available to the driver, in set amounts per lap, via a ‘boost button’ on the steering wheel. Under the current regulations the power gain equates to around 80 horsepower, available for less than seven seconds per lap. This could be worth several tenths of a second in terms of lap time, but the weight and packaging of the system - and its impact on the car’s weight distribution - also have to be taken into account. Teams have the option of employing a KERS.
Engines
The 2009 F1 drivers will be limited to just eight engines per season, with an additional four engines for testing. Once a driver has used up all his eight-engine allocation, any engine change will incur a 10-place grid penalty, or, a shift to the back of the grid if made after qualifying for the event. This move is designed to boost reliability; rev limits will be cut from 19,000 to 18,000 rpm. Only Renault has been allowed to make performance modifications to their engine in order to help equalise power outputs.
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