F1 governing body unveils radical wing concept
Formula One's governing body has unveiled a radical rear wing concept that it said could lead to far more overtaking in the sport by 2007. The FIA said the Centreline Downwash Generating (CDG) Wing was presented to a meeting of the F1 commission at a...
Formula One's governing body has unveiled a radical rear wing concept that it said could lead to far more overtaking in the sport by 2007. The FIA said the Centreline Downwash Generating (CDG) Wing was presented to a meeting of the F1 commission at a central London hotel yesterday.
"It is intended that the CDG wing, together with wider wheels and slick tyres, will form part of the 2008 FIA Formula One technical regulations," the FIA said in a statement.
"With the support and collaboration of the teams it may be possible to introduce these changes as early as 2007."
The new concept, formulated with the help of the FIA's technology partner AMD, would eliminate the existing single rear wing and replace it with two box-like wings, one behind each rear wheel.
The idea is to allow cars to run closer together without performance loss, with the wings creating a wake that gives a following car more downforce and reduced drag.
"This new research is important for the future of Formula One," said FIA president Max Mosley.
A recent survey commissioned by the FIA found that 94 per cent of the viewing public wanted to see more overtaking.
The Formula One commission meeting grouped the FIA, commercial supremo Bernie Ecclestone, the 10 teams and representatives of sponsors, promoters and tyre and engine manufacturers.
Formula One is in the throes of a power struggle, pitting five major carmakers on one side against the governing body and Ecclestone on the other.
Mercedes, BMW, Renault, Honda and Toyota are threatening their own series from 2008 unless they get greater transparency in the governance of the sport, more of the revenue and a level playing field for all participants.
One of their complaints is the continuous changing of the rules, with a switch to V8 engines next year from V10s.
Formula One will switch to a knockout qualifying system next season with tyre changes also making a return despite objections from some teams.
A spokesman for the FIA said the measures had been approved at a meeting in London yesterday.
Qualifying will now take part in three phases, with five cars dropping out after a first 15-minute session and another five after a second stint.
The remaining 10 will then fight for pole in a 20-minute session.
The current single-lap format, with each car running alone against the clock, has been much criticised by teams and broadcasters.