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Fast cars and famous drivers: that's the secret behind the success of Formula 1. Behind the scenes, it takes a lot of discipline to create this exciting atmosphere. There are rules covering everything from cylinder volume to tyre choices according to track and weather conditions and from pit-lane regulations to start procedures. The aim behind all these rules and regulations is to create a fair balance between teams and drivers and to minimise fatal risks by implementing safety criteria.
Rules and regulations
The new and revised regulations set out by the FIA include changes in general race rules relating to test and qualifying rounds, pit lane regulations and pit arrangements. There will be at least 8 and a maximum of 17 races in the Formula 1 World Championship annual schedule. In addition, the races will be cancelled if there are less than 12 cars in a Grand Prix. Every team will be allowed to have a set of dry and wet weather tyres. Last season, Michelin and Bridgestone developed special tyres for the teams that they are in partnership with. Now, teams with smaller budgets will have the advantage of using these tyres. From now on, no Formula 1 race will allow speeds of more than 306km/hr. Every race will have a limit of two hours and the finish flag will be waved at any drivers who have passed the finish line in this time. The FIA has also established regulations concerning the race cars. Formula 1 cars cannot be wider than 180 cm. The chassis cannot be more than 95 cm. The car cannot weigh more than 600km together with the driver. Formula 1 cars can have a cylinder volume of at most 3.0 lt. Motors with up to V12 cylinders cannot use a supercharger or turbo.
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50,000 $ fine for not mounting the podium
In order to ensure the driver's safety, every car must have fire-extinguishing facilities. These must be able to extinguish fires in both the cockpit and in the motor. In case of a fire, 95% of the fire extinguishing substance must be discharged in at least 10 and at most 30 seconds.At the end of the race, the winners are invited up to a podium to receive their medals and trophies. There is always plenty of laughter and lots of champagne. However, did you know that if a driver fails to attend the ceremony without having a legitimate reason for doing so, they have to pay a 50,000-dollar fine? The whole team is responsible for ensuring that the top three drivers actually have their moment of glory on the podium.
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* The Belgian GP was cancelled due to the banning of cigarette advertising. In line with the new regulations, it will be on the schedule again next year. * At the same time, Canada will be off the schedule next year due to its conflict with Ecclestone as a result of the banning of cigarette advertising. * The 2003 Formula 1 season continues with the Italian GP (September 14) and the US GP (September 28), finishing with the Japanese GP on October 10. |
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