TheSportsCampus

The 2011 Formula 1 Season promises plenty as some incredibly significant rule changes have been introduced to make the driver and fan experience all the more exciting. A favourite is the return of KERS, and the super button which allows teams to speed off into the sunset on the straights is back. F-Ducts and Double Diffusers are gone for the season, while the controversial team orders are back in existence. Plenty of other critical elements like the new Pirelli Tyres, Gearbox longevity rules and the 107% Qualifying rule will ensure that the quality of racing we see on the track remains world class. 

Tyres
Pirelli takes over from Bridgestone as the sport’s sole tyre supplier from 2011 to 2013. The tyre allocation for each driver remains at 11 sets of dry tyres per race weekend. Three sets (two prime & one option) can be used in P1 and P2 with one set returned after each session. A further eight sets can then be used for the rest of the weekend with one set of each specification handed back after qualifying. Each driver must use both specifications of dry tyres during a dry race.

KERS
First introduced in 2009, KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System) returns to the sport in 2011 after the teams mutually agreed to suspend its use in 2010. KERS uses the energy generated under braking and makes it available to the driver through a boost button on the steering wheel. The button, which provides up to 60kW for around 6.6 seconds, can be used in one go or at different points around the lap. The minimum weight of the car including driver has now increased to 640kg to avoid penalising heavier drivers.

Adjustable Rear Wings
Drivers are now able to adjust the rear wing from the cockpit under new moveable bodywork regulations designed to improve overtaking. The system is electronically governed and can be used at any time during practice and qualifying but can only be activated during the race when the driver is one second or less behind another car at specific points on the track. The adjustable rear wing is automatically disabled if the driver uses the brakes.

Ban on F-Ducts & Double Diffusers
A new regulation prohibits any driver-influenced aerodynamic devices (with the exception of the adjustable rear wing) which means no F-ducts. Tightening of the regulations relating to the floor means double diffusers are also effectively banned. The height of the diffuser has been reduced from 175mm to 125mm.

107% Qualifying
Any driver who fails to set a lap within 107% of the fastest Q1 time will not be allowed to start the race. However, in exceptional circumstances, which could include a driver setting a suitable time during practice, the stewards may permit the car to start.

Curfew
A curfew has been introduced for team personnel associated with the operation of the cars who will not be allowed in the circuit during a six-hour period which commences ten hours before the scheduled start times of P1 on Friday and P3 on Saturday. Each team is permitted four individual exceptions to this rule during the season.

Penalties
Stewards can now impose a wider range of penalties for driving and other rule transgressions. The new penalties include: time penalties, exclusion from race results or suspension from subsequent events.

Wheel Tethers
A second tether must now be placed on every wheel to improve safety and reduce the risk of stray wheels.

Gearboxes
Gearboxes now need to last for five race weekends, instead of four race weekends as in 2010.

Team Orders
The clause which bans team orders has been removed from the Sporting Regulations.