The Official 2008 F1 Series Thread

[TDE30]

The single engine spplier rule would KILL the nature of the modern F1 car. F1 became the leading auto racing series with the advent of the Cosworth V8. For a good number of years the Cosworth and Ferrari V12's were the only motors use in F1.

Someone mentioned before that the front wing will be a moveable aero device, i have heard the same. Harder later braking from this, which will make passing less likely... something Bernie has worked hard against. Not to mention the top speed will be higher. I dont think its the right idea.

One thing is for sure, front wing changes [longer] and rear wing changes [taller and smaller] with both elements maintaining a flat surface.... the cars next year will be FUGLY!!!!

Yeah, unless the courses (all of them) for next year are undergoing some serious changes for next year (e.g. longer straights, etc.) the changes for the 2009 cars makes no sense. Sure, nobody is going to argue about making these cars faster, but making late brake passes more difficult takes away most of my fascination with Formula One.

I hate the idea of a single manufacturer for any aspect of tomorrow's Formula One car, but the truth about it is that it saves money. It evens up the playing field as well. I hate it, I think it diminishes the sport, but Bernie and the FIA have been cost cutting since 2006, I don't expect it to stop now.

[E30Kaiser]

The thing I have heard with the movable wing though is that you can only do 1 movement a lap or a limited number of movements. Though as the tracks are now, there are only 1 or 2 overtaking points so that leads to the exact same situation that you described that it limits overtaking.

[Jon325i]

Isn't Mclaren manufacturing the KERS for all teams?

That's a new one. I know McLaren was heavily involved with a standardized ECU for this season in conjunction with Microsoft....the KERS system I'm not sure. The last positive thing I heard about KERS development was that either Honda or Toyota was having the greatest success in their development of this system while other teams have been struggling. Some F1 insiders were even speculating KERS might be put on hold for the 2009 season because of the development issues.

Between this, the new aero, new rookies testing, current drivers seeking a new contract and securing venues for the 2009 calendar (read: Canada) this off-season is going to be anything but boring.

Jon

[Hick]

The thing I have heard with the movable wing though is that you can only do 1 movement a lap or a limited number of movements. Though as the tracks are now, there are only 1 or 2 overtaking points so that leads to the exact same situation that you described that it limits overtaking.

How would that work? Thats a horrid idea if its true.

[z31maniac]

Please provide a link to this "moveable" wing you speak of. I have not read anything abou tthat and I read as much as I can find on F1. It's just going to be wider from what I've read.

McLaren producing all the KERS systems? No. A few of the teams are actually going to be buying from a third party company, Red Bull and STR for example, while Honda ($90 mil), McLaren ($30+ mil) and BMW-Sauber (unknown) have a shitload of money locked up in theirs. BMW is the only team that voted against delaying the KERS implementation until 2010, which indicates to me they have figured out a super slick system for next year.

Williams are using a flywheel technology vs battery, and have a much more modest $2 mil invested.

The spec engine won't happen either as Mercedez, Ferrari, Toyota, Honda and Renault have threatened to pull out if that happens.

Who the fuck would watch F1 if only customer teams competed?

[Hick]

Forgot about the flywheel KERS system... im curious how that will pan out.

I think i heard that RBR was going to use the flywheel system also, but that was back when KERs was just an idea. They may of changed their mind.

Ill see if i can dig something up on moveable wings. The Speed Trio have even talked about it during a few races/quali/practice broadcasts.

[E30Kaiser]

How would that work? Thats a horrid idea if its true.

I'm not sure, I would guess it would be similar to the changes they do when they come into pits but on the go. As the car characteristics change due to differences in weight(fuel) and tires it kinda makes sense to have the wing change in response to those. I never though about it being used as a weapon to prevent overtaking until it was mentioned here, which I would oppose.

I will try to find an article on it though.

[z31maniac]

Forgot about the flywheel KERS system... im curious how that will pan out.

I think i heard that RBR was going to use the flywheel system also, but that was back when KERs was just an idea. They may of changed their mind.

Ill see if i can dig something up on moveable wings. The Speed Trio have even talked about it during a few races/quali/practice broadcasts.

Wait, nevermind. I remember that now.

That there will basically be a servo that changes the "attack" angle of the wing, I was still thinking of "flexible" wings that have been banned for decades now.

[Hick]

flew wings would be less effective than a moveable wing, IMO.

E30Kaiser, i was saying the 'limiting one wing adjustment per lap' idea to be crap.

[z31maniac]

^I would think they could easily see if more than one adjustment per lap was made considering the standard ECU.

They were able to due away with TC and Engine Braking for the most part.

[TDE30]

Lifted from a few Formula One sites/forums:

Section 3.18 of the regulations contains details of "driver adjustable bodywork". The angle of incidence of elements in a defined area forward of the front wheels can be varied by up to 6 degrees and adjusted by direct driver input. A maximum of 2 adjustments can be made on any lap.

Rumor has it, there will also be a significant budget cap for all teams (this will cover all expenses not including those for the motor.) I have heard speculation that it will be somewhere in the neighborhood of $150m.

[z31maniac]

^IMHO that is the best way to deal with rising costs.

Lift many of the technical regulations and say, "You have this much money, get after it"

[Hick]

Lift many of the technical regulations and say, "You have this much money, get after it"

That is my ideal F1. See what the guys can do without as many regulations.

[Ray Smoodiver]

The pinnacle of motorsport governed by a budget cap?

Oh please, it's not A1 for gods sakes

[Hick]

That or it goes under with the rules Bernie has suggested. Take your pick

EDIT: Bernies rules make F1 a spec series.... FYI