6- F ducts, connected shark fins and double diffusers are all banned: Technical Regulations. Articles 3.15, 3.9.1 and 3.12
McLaren’s innovative and widely imitated F-duct became last season’s must—have accessory. But the device has been banned for 2011. Not only has the FIA outlawed connecting shark—fin engine covers, but it has also prohibited any devices that use “driver movement as a means of altering the aerodynamic characteristics of the car”. The rules regarding the cars‘ floors have also been tightened, effectively banning the double diffusers that have been around since 2009. It’s believed this will bring a reduction in downforce of around 10 per cent.
7- Extra wheel tethers added: Technical Regulations, Article 10.3.6
Following a number of dangerous incidents last season when tyres became separated from cars and were sent flying through the air, all the teams must now place a second tether on each wheel. Additionally, the wheel tethers must run through two separate suspension arms. The thinking being that even if one tether fails, there will still be another to ensure that the wheel remains securely attached to the car.
8- KERS is back; Technical Regulations, Article 5.2
Use of KERS was suspended in 2010, but it’s set to return this year. The optional systems will be similar to those seen in 2009. With
maximum power still set at 60kW. This gives the driver an extra 80bhp for up to 6.6 seconds per lap, which can be used whenever they like.
So we could see drivers who are trapped behind another car launching KERS- and adjustable—rear-wing- equipped attacks. Heavy battery systems will be used again, but they’ll be less of a penalty due to the cars’ increased minimum weight. So we shouldn’t see non-KERS cars being faster than their KERS equivalents.
9- Team Curfews, Sporting Regulations, Article 30.19
It’s been a common sight in F1 for years — mechanics working late into the night to ensure cars are fixed and ready to go the next day. But for 2011 the FIA has on safety grounds, introduced a curfew on team personnel in a bid to reduce long working hours.
Team personnel connected with the operation of cars will not be allowed into the circuit between Midnight and 6am when practice starts at 10am.
The only exception would be when a car is damaged four team members will be allowed to work on the car.
10- Rear wings, Technical Regulations, Article 3.18
The driver-adjustable rear wing is aimed at boosting overtaking. It will work in a similar way to the F-duct. with the flap moving to reduce downforce (and therefore drag) and so boost straightline speed. Drivers can use it at any time in practice or qualifying, but race use will be moderated by Race Control via GPS to ensure it’s used only for overtaking. When a driver is less than a second behind the car in front in a predetermined zone he will be notified that the device can be activated. It will then be disabled the first time he brakes. Drivers cannot use the wing during the first two laps of a race, or for two laps after a Safety Car restart.
11- Gearboxes Sporting Regulations, Article 28.6
As part of the drive to reduce costs and improve component longevity, gearboxes must now last for five consecutive races instead of four. But for 2011 only. The FIA will allow teams one penalty- free gearbox change so long as it’s not the last race of the season. Any subsequent gearbox changes will result in the driver being hit with a drop of five places on the starting grid at the event where the change is made.
1 2 Penalties and driver conduct: Sporting Regulations, Articles 16.3 and 20.2-4
In 2011, the FIA wants to clamp down on unsporting and dangerous driving.
Drivers who are overly aggressive when defending a position, who regularly run off the track to gain an advantage, and who ignore blue flags will all be targeted. Furthermore, the FIA has given stewards a wider range of penalties to dish out, from time penalties and reprimands to more severe punishments such as exclusion from the results – or even suspension from the next race. It looks like the time has come for Schuey to ditch his infamous ‘chop’ once and for all…
13- Team orders: Article 39.1 of the Sporting Regulations deleted
Amid the fallout from last year’s German Grand Prix, when Ferrari asked Massa to move over to let Alonso win the race, it became evident that the ban on team orders was just not enforceable. So the FIA has now deleted it from the rule book. However, the teams have all been reminded that any actions liable to bring Formula 1 into disrepute will still be dealt with under Article 151c of the International Sporting Code and any other relevant provisions.
