The FIA have some radical plans for both 2007 and 2008. The first is the one to the left (click to open bigger version), this is a pair of rear wing-lets above the rear wheels called a ‘centreline downwash generating’ (CDG) wing. The hope here is that having a void space in the middle will create an undisturbed zone of air behind the car that will allow other cars to run closer to the back of cars in front, therefore allowing overtaking. This coupled with wider rear tires and the allowance of ‘real’ slick tyres back on the cars again will hopefully reduce the reliance on the aero package and increase the mechanical grip of the cars. These changes are good for racing (more passing and closer running cannot be bad!), however it does throw up a rather large and possibly (for the teams) financially detrimental situation, why? well currently the most visible part of the cars is the large rear wing, and if this get’s split into two smaller winglets then the advertising space is cut dramatically. We will have to see how the teams react to this change put forward.

The other much needed change to the sport is the qualification structure. This has fortunately been agreed. The new format for 2006 going forward is the following. There will be 3 sessions the first 2 being 15minutes each, the slowest 5 cars of each session being knocked out of the next session, the last 20 minute session therefore will only have 10 cars and be an all out scrap on low fuel for the pole position. Drivers can use as many tires as they want (no more than 28 tires in a weekend), and we are moved back to the days where the fastest car get’s pole, should be great!

Also the V8 vs V10 debate is still ongoing. I still believe that the teams with money (Toyota, Honda, Ferrari, Mercedes, BMW) will use both types of engine in the season. For the long straights they will take the V8 (higher reving) and for the tight ones the V10 (lot’s of torque). Only time will tell though.