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Team bosses describe 2019 aero regulations as a 'huge step backwards'

Published on 01 Nov 2018 14:54
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By: Fergal Walsh

Formula 1 team bosses have described the new aerodynamic regulations that will come into play in 2019 as a significant "step backwards". The changes include simpler front wings, lowered bargeboards and steeper rear wings, all with the aim of reducing dirty air.

The current high downforce cars make it very difficult for following cars to stay close through corners due to the dirty air they are producing. The 2019 regulations were confirmed earlier this year, and with teams now heavily focused on next year's cars, some senior staff say the changes are a backwards step.

"It’s difficult to have a clear picture today [how 2019 will turn out] but for sure I think we will improve on the engine. We have still some doubts about the tyres and on the aero package," said Sauber's Frederic Vasseur.

"If you are speaking about the aero regulations, it’s a huge step back. I think everyone is focused on recovering [the lost performance]. I don’t know when we will recover and if we will be able to overshoot but it looks tricky," he added.

Force India's Otmar Szafanuer said: "We did [a test] and it was a significant step backwards. We’ve got aggressive targets, I don’t know if we will be able to hit them. We’re trying to predict the future as to what we can find, but yeah, it was a massive step back for us."

However, with the changes aimed at improving overtaking, Toro Rosso team principal Franz Tost says that he has held discussions with aerodynamic personnel within the team, who do not believe the changes will make a difference to overtaking.

"I discussed it with the people in the wind tunnel and as it currently looks, they do not believe that overtaking will become much easier. Therefore I’m not sure that this regulation change will end up where we expect – that overtaking will become much easier. I think that at the beginning of next season the teams will have reached a similar level on downforce as nowadays."

Major Tom

Posts: 152

Presumably by a 'step back' they mean that the cars will be slower. So what? I don't care if it makes the racing better. The last change making the cars wider et al might have made the cars faster but was a disaster in terms of closer racing and reducing costs.

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Nov 1 2018 - 20:16

F1 News Sauber Force India

Replies (7)

f1dave

Posts: 782
A step backwards in the rules is the only way forewards. Now if they could only go back on the rules about tires and fuel F1 could be interesting again.
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- Nov 1 2018 - 15:37
- calle.itw
  
  Posts: 8,527
  As usual I disagree about the refuelling, I dont think it contributes to other series. Tyres rules could be better (will actually be better once those tyre blankets are gone...in theory). But increasing engine allocations is a must IMO, the current situation is preposterous. 5 were good, 4 were the bare minimum, 3 is a load of horse chungus.
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  Nov 1 2018 - 21:10
RogerF1

Posts: 501
I’m somehow thinking most of 2019 will be as drear as 2018, only 6 cars in the real mix and most of the time just sharing the spoils. Concerns me that the aero guys on the wintunnel aren’t seeing reduction in turbulence.
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- Nov 1 2018 - 18:47
- Major Tom
  
  Posts: 152
  Most of the time only one car in contention don't you mean?
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  Nov 1 2018 - 20:18
Major Tom

Posts: 152
Presumably by a 'step back' they mean that the cars will be slower. So what? I don't care if it makes the racing better. The last change making the cars wider et al might have made the cars faster but was a disaster in terms of closer racing and reducing costs.
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- Nov 1 2018 - 20:16
- calle.itw
  
  Posts: 8,527
  Yes, IF the racing is better its worth it. Thats a big if though, and one thats kinda hard to say whether it will be better or not.
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  Nov 1 2018 - 21:06
sadosalo

Posts: 198
same old boring following each other, Hamilton has to be 1st or else. GB officials make sure of that! so lame go Lewis go.
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- Nov 2 2018 - 02:25