The teams, through FOTA, have agreed to drop the extreme aerodynamic changes planned for 2013 after branding them too ‘radical’.
Said changes included the return of ground-effects which, whilst making the cars more efficient and aerodynamic, would create enormous expense.
The teams have agreed a new set of changes which they believe will produce the same results as the FIA’s proposed changes, but the cars will remain similar in look to present.
The new rules were drawn up by former-Ferrari chief designer Rory Byrne and were agreed among all the teams and the FIA’s Charlie Whiting at the Turkish GP.
Changes will include:
– A smaller front-wing, reduced from 1800mm in width to 1650.
– A shallower rear-wing, like those used a low-downforce circuits such as Monza.
– Much lower noses, unlike the recent trend of higher noses, this is to reduce the chances of a car taking off when hitting another car, similar to Mark Webber in Valencia.
– The drag-reducing rear-wing (DRS) will also be present in 2013.
– Bodywork parts will be restricted, mainly around the sidepods to halt the increase in intricate bargeboards, etc.
– Front-wing endplated will also be restricted in their intricacy.
– A move from 13 inches wheel rims to 18 inches will be delayed until 2014.
The rules will now undergo model testing by the Technical Working Group before being written into the 2013 regulations.
The FIA could still force through the previous planned regulations if they feel these new ones don’t meet their targets.
