The Formula One Teams Association unveiled it's plans for F1's future today after a lengthy series of discussions. They want to see a change to the points system, more clarity with the viewers regarding race strategy, and lots more bonkers stuff.
The series of proposals were announced at a press conference in Geneva earlier today, and follows debate between the team owners, along with a lengthy global audience survey, surprisingly designed to actually be listened to. Luca di Montezemolo, the FOTA chairman, guffed that "This is an unprecedented moment in Formula One history. Above all else, for the first time the teams are unified and steadfast – with a clear, collective vision."
The main proposals mooted for introduction in 2009 include altering the points system to reward the top three drivers more significantly, switching from the 10-8-6-5-4-3-2-1 system currently used to a 12-9-7-5-4-3-2-1 distribution of points. This will be seen as an alternative to Bernie Ecclestone's mad medal system idea, and frankly makes a lot more sense.
Another area FOTA want to change is to have information regarding starting fuel loads, tyre usage and refuelling data made public during the race weekend, in an attempt to help the viewers understand the rather dull science behind F1 race strategy.
Going forward into 2010, the proposals include a new qualifying format, though not a radical departure from the current method. Any fears that gimmicks such as reverse grids would be introduced to force excitement onto the sport were quashed when the survey revealed that "all fan types expressed a modest preference for a meritocratically determined starting grid". Or "fastest at the front, slowest at the back is good" in English.
FOTA have also recommended reducing the set GP race distance for 2010, along with restrictions on pre-season testing to compliment the ban on in-season test sessions. One of the more bizarre points of the proposal is for 2010 to contain "radical points-scoring opportunities", with the example giving being "one constructors' championship point to be awarded for the fastest race pit stop". Which sounds really naff.
Any recommendations for 2009 would require the World Motorsport Council to approve them before the start of the season.
PROPOSALS IN FULL
Technical
2009:
- More than 100% increase in mileage per engine (eight engines per driver per season)
- Reduction in wind tunnel and CFD (computational fluid dynamics) usage
- Engine available at €8 million per team per season
2010:
- Engine available at €5 million per team per season
- Gearbox available at €1.5 million per team per season
- Standardised KERS (put out to tender, with a target price of €1-2 million per team per season)
- Target a further 50% reduction of the 2009 aerodynamic development spend
- Specified number of chassis, bodywork and aerodynamic development iterations & homologations) during the season
- Prohibition of a wide range of exotic, metallic and composite materials-* Standardised telemetry and radio systems
Sporting
2009:
- Testing reduction (50%)
- New points-scoring system (12-9-7-5-4-3-2-1), to give greater differentiation/reward to grand prix winners
- Race starting fuel loads, tyre specifications and refuelling data to be made public
2010:
- Commitment to recommend new qualifying format
- Radical new points-scoring opportunities (eg, one constructors' championship point to be awarded for the fastest race pit stop)
- Further testing reductions (four four-day single-car pre-season tests plus one single-car pre-season shakedown)
- Reduction of grand prix duration (250km or a maximum of one hour 40 minutes) pending the approval of the commercial rights holder
Commercial
2009:
- Increased data provision for media
- Explore means by which the presentation of Formula One action can be more informatively and dynamically presented, common to other sports such as tennis and cricket, to dramatically improve engagement with the public
- Nominated senior team spokesman available for TV during grand prix
- Commitment to enhance consumer experience via team and FOTA websites
- Mandatory driver autograph sessions during grand prix weekends
2010:
- Commitment to enhance consumer experience via TV coverage
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