2009 Formula One Rule Changes Create an odd Looking Car

http://rumors.automobilemag.com/6358581/motorsports/2009-formula-one-rule-changes-create-an-odd-looking-car/index.html

Posted November 19 2008 01:57 PM by Andrew Peterson
Category: Motorsports

The 2009 FIA rule changes mandated in 2006 take effect for this upcoming Formula One season. The new rules make for some interesting engineering and design changes to the cars running next year.

For the first time ever, we will see a hybrid system on a race car. All Formula One cars must have a hybrid system (KERS) next season. KERS stands for Kinetic Energy Recovery System and will recover some of the kinetic energy of the car that is normally lost to heat during braking. The energy is recovered using a flywheel system and can be stored in a super-capacitor or a battery until the driver wishes to use it as a boost during acceleration.

The 2009 aerodynamic regulations call for a smaller rear spoiler that creates a “shelf-look” and a much larger front spoiler without turn-ups or winglets. Winglets and other aerodynamic add-ons have also been removed from the car bodies. These regulations in addition to the slick tires give the most advanced cars in the world a dated look from the start. The new aero packages create less downforce, but slick tires are once again allowed (the first time since 1998) to compensate.

In an effort to reduce the costs of running a Formula One team, the FIA announced that engine life would be extended to three races (up from two currently). Earlier the FIA announced it was considering using one engine for all the teams, to which Ferrari said it was leaving if it happened. This seems to be a decent compromise to reduce costs and keep more teams involved.

In addition to rule changes, the Canadian and French Gran Prixs have been dropped from the schedule and the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix has been added. The inaugural race happens in November of 2009.

Source: F1 Live

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