FIA plans for 2011

The FIA has come up with a number of proposals to shake up Formula 1's technical regulations from 2011. Biggest surprise is the introduction of electronically-controlled moveable wings.
The plans proposed by the FIA are designed to make the sport more road-relevant, environmentally friendly and obviously more cost-effective. At the same time the FIA hopes to improve overtaking. The proposals came out following a meeting of the World Motor Sport Council in Paris. The FIA published a framework document to get discussions started with the teams. The most radical aspects of the document concern the chassis regulations.

The proposals set by the FIA:

Engine efficiency

To limit engine power by imposing a maximum energy flow rate. However, there will be few restrictions on the engine cycle, which can include turbo-charging and energy recovery. It is believed that this will lead to a gain of at least 20% in thermal efficiency.

Drag

To allow moving aerodynamic devices, which will reduce drag by over 50% and allow a 40% reduction in the power required to maintain current speeds.

Energy recovery

Energy will be recovered during braking and returned to both front and rear axles when accelerating. The amount of energy returned on each straight will be limited in order to prevent top speeds exceeding the safety criteria for the circuits.

Fuel

The total amount of fuel energy to be consumed during a race will be regulated, encouraging further overall efficiency. The CO2 emitted will be further reduced by the introduction of gasoline which is partly derived from sustainable, non-food bio sources but complies fully with pump fuel legislation.

Overtaking

Formula One cars currently find it very difficult to overtake because of the influence of the car in front. New aerodynamic rules will halve the downforce, and de-sensitise the car to the influence of the wake of the car ahead. It is also proposed to eliminate automatically the downforce deficit of the following car.