2010 Formula 1 Rules and Regulations

New Rules For 2010 Formula-1 Season

The FIA has announced further details of changes to F1’s technical rules for 2010. Chief among these is the widely-expected banning of refuelling and tyre warmers. The minimum weight of the cars is also being increased from 605kg to 620kg, and there are revisions to the rules governing KERS. The refuelling ban was originally proposed by the F1 Teams Association but subsequently dismissed by Max Mosley (former FIA-President) as he felt that it would interfere with 'the show' too much. However with all the agreement from all the F1-Teams and managed to convinced the FIA that a refuelling ban makes sense on cost grounds, (especially new teams) as it saves them from having to hip refuelling equipment around the world at great expense. The car will now not just look bigger than the previous season's car, with the larger fuel tanks to last the race, but it will also raised the total weight from 605kg to 620kg. (Read more about the new F1 rules below)

KERS and tyre changes

The 15kg minimum weight increase is designed to encourage more drivers to use KERS. Already this year we have seen taller, heavier drivers like Robert Kubica not using KERS because it reduced his ability to position ballast where he most wanted it. Another change not mentioned in the FIA’s revised rules may aid that cause further. Bridgestone are working on a narrower front tyre, which should address a handling imbalance brought about by the return to slick tyres this year. This may make the cars’ sensitivity to ballast less acute.

Tyre warmers ban

The tyre warmer ban was originally slated for this year, but dropped after Bridgestone felt its present generation of slick tyres could not get up to operating temperature quickly enough without them. Several drivers agreed vociferously.Presumably these concerns have now been addressed – if not, expect a disgruntled GPDA to make its feelings known in due course. Few other top-line single seater series continue to allow drivers to have their tyres pre-heated, so if F1 drivers can be given rubber that is up to the job there is no reason why the same should not apply to them.With more fuel to carry, increased weight and narrower front tyres, designers may struggle to make next year’s cars much quicker than this year’s. But as the diffuser row proved, we should never underestimate their inventiveness.

Other changes in the 2010 technical rules

Changes to bodywork dimensions to prevent tyre damage to other cars.
More technical freedoms for teams who agree to abide by the budget cap including greater adjust-ability of the front wing, an adjustable rear wing element, doubling of maximum KERS power output and relaxation of the rules limiting engines to a maximum of 18,000rpm and two driven wheels (see here for more: FIA aims to get all teams to cap budgets using one-sided regulations).
KERS may not be used above 300kph (186mph).
Restrictions on where KERS batteries may be positioned.
Drivers may use a special valve to reduce rear brake pressure when KERS is operated.

You can find the new technical regulations for 2010 on the FIA website: 2010 F1 Sporting Regulations



source : Formula1-source