F1 orders teams go green in 2013

The World Motor Sport Council has ushered in numerous changes for Formula One following its meeting in Monaco on Friday. Many changes will take place in 2011, however, it is the new engine regulations, due in 2013, that will give the category its biggest shake up.

Currently F1 cars are powered by 2.4 litre normally aspirated V8s with an 18,000rpm rev limiter. But from 2013 we’ll be heading back to the good old turbo days with the new regs specifying the use of turbocharged 1.6 litre four cylinder engines capped to 12,000rpm. The new engines are expected to match current performance level while cutting fuel use by 35%.

A new limit on the total of engines available to each driver will also come into play in 2013. Each team can now give a driver a total of eight new engines per year. In 2013 that cap will be five engines, further reduced to just four in 2014 and beyond. Teams will be working hard for their money, won’t they!

The 2011 season will be seeing some changes, as well. The controversial team orders ban will be lifted. Well, kind of. Leaving a massive area of grey the FIA say teams can still be charged with bringing the sport into disrepute under Article 151c of the International Sporting Code.

Also new in 2011, teams must use each gearbox for a minimum of five consecutive races, instead of the four race minimum in 2010. In a move hoped to increase overtaking opportunities moveable rear wings have been approved.

And finally, from 2012 all team communications will be made available to television broadcasters. Directors are sure to have that “bleep” button at the ready.

The full list of changes can be read in the WMSC press release after the break.

Press Release

World Motor Sport Council

10/12/2010

FORMULA ONE

The WMSC approved the introduction of a new specification engine from 2013, underlining the FIA’s commitment to improving sustainability and addressing the needs of the automotive industry. Following dialogue with the engine manufacturers and experts in this field, the power units will be four cylinders, 1.6 litre with high pressure gasoline injection up to 500 bar with a maximum of 12,000 rpm.

The engines will deliver a 35% reduction in fuel consumption and will feature extensive energy management and energy recovery systems, while maintaining current levels of performance. In 2013, five engines will be permitted per driver, but each year after that the limit will be four.

Sporting and Technical Regulations

A number of changes were made to the Sporting and Technical Regulations for 2011, including:

• The article forbidding team orders (39.1) is deleted. Teams will be reminded that any actions liable to bring the sport into disrepute are dealt with under Article 151c of the International Sporting Code and any other relevant provisions
• Amendments to the list of penalties Stewards are permitted to apply
• Revisions to driving and driver conduct
• A limit on the width of the fast lane in the pits
• The introduction of a regulation permitting the Race Director to close the pit lane during a race for safety reasons
• The re-introduction of intermediate tyres for 2011
• Penalties to be applied to any driver who fails to use both specification of dry weather tyre during the race
• An amendment requiring gearboxes to be used for five consecutive races, instead of four
• Clarification on when cars can overtake the safety car
• A refinement to the principles of the regulations already agreed concerning moveable rear wings
• A better definition of the reference plane, and reinforcement of bodywork deflection tests, especially at the front of the reference plane
• The allowance for anti-intrusion panels to protect drivers’ legs

Amendments to the 2012 Technical Regulations were made in the following areas:

• Team communications will be made available to broadcasters
• The inclusion of fuel compounds produced from biomass
• A limitation on suspension uprights