The complete list of cost-cutting measures

The World Motor Sport Council met in Monaco on Friday, December 12, 2008. A number of measures were taken to reduce costs in Formula 1. All were approved by the World Motor Sport Council. The proposed changes received unanimous agreement from the Formula 1 teams, who played an important role in their creation. The FIA thanks the FOTA and its president Luca di Montezemolo for his contribution.

What changes for 2009?

Engine:

The lifespan of an engine will be doubled. Each driver must use a maximum of eight engines for the season and four for testing, totaling 20 per team. A limit of 18,000 revolutions per minute must be respected. Internally, only the adjustment of the trumpets and injectors will be allowed. The rule that an engine must last for three races, voted on November 5th, is still in effect. The cost of engines for independent teams must not exceed 50% of the 2008 price.

Essays:

The testing during the regular season is over. Only the traditional free practice sessions on Friday and Saturday morning during a race weekend will be allowed. Winter testing remains, of course, relevant.

Aerodynamics:

A number of measures have been taken regarding the wind tunnel and must be implemented before January 1, 2009.

Sporting event:

Studies are currently being conducted to assess public reaction to a number of ideas, such as a new qualifying format or replacing the points system with that of medals. The proposals will be submitted to the FIA when the survey results are known.

These changes for 2009 will allow manufacturers to save about 30% of their budget compared to 2008, while the savings for independent teams will be even greater.

What changes for 2010?

Low-cost engine:

Engines will be available to independent teams for less than 5 million euros per team per season. These engines will be manufactured by an independent supplier or provided by the team’s manufacturer under continuity conditions. Interested teams must sign the agreement before December 20, 2008. This same engine will continue to be used in 2011 and 2012, so no new engine for 2011.

Subject to confirmation of feasibility, the same transmission will be used by all teams.

Race weekend:

One of the key measures will be the standardization of radios and telemetry systems. Tire warmers will be banned. As for in-race refueling, it will be completely eliminated. Finally, the races could be shortened.

What are the longer-term changes?

The FIA and FOTA will study the possibility of a completely new drivetrain for 2013, based on energy efficiency (work with less energy consumption). An improved KERS could emerge.

A number of other amendments were adopted for 2009 and 2010 in the sporting and technical regulations.