The introduction of standardised electronic control units, and the stipulation that gearboxes must now last four race weekends, represent two serious rule changes for Formula One teams in the 2008 season. FIA stipulations dictated that the hardware and software supplied by McLaren Electronics Systems (MES) were developed without several of the electronic functions used in recent times. The most important of these were traction control and engine braking control. For the drivers, their absence means demonstrating an even finer touch with the accelerator and brake pedal – especially in the wet. The engineers, meanwhile, are looking to compensate as far as possible for this technical restriction through ingenious tweaks of design. To this end, factors such as weight distribution and suspension geometry play an important role. From 2008, each car’s gearbox has to last four consecutive GP weekends (Saturday and Sunday). The parts which the mechanics are permitted to replace are precisely defined. To allow the gear ratios to be adjusted to the different race tracks on the calendar, the gearwheels and associated dog rings of each gearbox earmarked for the race can be changed once during the weekend. Other components, such as the casing, differential, actuation wheels and selector forks, may not be replaced (this restriction does not apply to the Friday). However, if replacement is unavoidable due to a technical problem, the driver involved will be moved back five places on the grid. In addition to the maximum 30,000-kilometre testing allocation, four “rookie test days” – on each of which no more than 350 kilometres may be covered – will be set aside for the evaluation of young drivers. To qualify for the rookie test days, a driver has to have completed fewer than four days of testing in a Formula One car and not driven in a single F1 race in the 24 months preceding the test. For the first time, testing is an integral part of the FIA’s sporting regulations rather than merely subject to an agreement between the teams. You want to have a detailed look at the official FIA regulations? Simply download these two PDF files.
Sportliches Reglement Formel-1-Saison 2008
Technisches Reglement Formel-1-Saison 2008
