2005 Formula One season

Rules changes

For a while, there existed a distinct possibility that some teams would be running three race cars per grand prix. (Fewer than 10 teams, or 20 cars, starting on the grid would have resulted in some teams running three cars, under an obscure term in the Concorde Agreement.) By the first round of the season, though, there were indeed the necessary ten teams, as Red Bull completed their takeover of Jaguar and were ready to race in Australia. Minardi, which initially received an injunction allowing them to compete despite their cars' non-conformity to new 2005 technical regulations, have since modified their cars to adhere to 2005 specs; Minardi, now competing in its twenty-first F1 season, remains a fixture on the Formula One grid.

Related Topics:
Concorde Agreement - Australia - Injunction - Cars' - 2005 technical regulations

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Qualifying

The first six races 2005 season used a new qualifying format, marking the third year in five with sharply-revised qualifying rules. Grid position was determimed by aggregate times from two single-lap flying runs, one Saturday afternoon and one Sunday morning. Refueling was allowed after the first qualifying run Saturday; however, the car must have been fueled for the race for Sunday's qualifying. (Although some rules changes are brought about to even the playing field or to reduce costs, this rule change was prompted by the typhoon which rescheduled qualifying for the 2004 Japanese Grand Prix). Adverse weather conditions affecting either qualifying session will impact the final, aggregate time.

Related Topics:
Typhoon - 2004 Japanese Grand Prix

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On May 24, the ten team bosses met with Max Mosley and recommended a return to a single, one-lap qualifying run on Saturday on low fuel and race tires, which, having been approved by the FIA World Motorsport Council, took effect at the European Grand Prix on May 29.

Related Topics:
May 24 - Max Mosley - FIA - World Motorsport Council - European Grand Prix - May 29

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Tyres

A hugely significant change in 2005 is the absence of tyre changes during pit stops. Under new regulations, a driver must use just one set of tyres during qualifying and the race itself. Of course, tyre changes will be allowed for punctures and for wet weather, under the direction of the stewards. At the start of the season, team principals also agreed that a single tyre change per car could be made without penalty. Obviously, preserving a single set of tyres for the entire race has become a new challenge for drivers; the challenge for tyre manufactures has been to produce more durable, long-lasting compounds; thusfar, Michelin-shod runners appear to have an advantage over their Bridgestone counterparts.

Related Topics:
Michelin - Bridgestone

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Engine life

Formula One engines must now last two race weekends, up double from last year. If a driver needs an engine change before qualifying, then he is dropped 10 grid spaces for the race; if an engine requires changing during or after qualifying, then he must start from the back of the grid. Designed to limit revs and power outputs demanded by greater reliability, this regulation is also a cost-cutting measure for engine manufacturers. After the initial race of the season, the FIA acted to close a loophole in this new regulation exposed by BAR, who purposefully pitted their cars rather than finish the race.

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Aerodynamics

The technical aerodynamics regulations have been modified to improve competition, especially for cars traveling in another car's aeroflow wake in order to overtake. By changing the size and placement of both front and rear wings, as well as requiring higher noses, the new rules attempted to reduce downforce by roughly one-quarter, but teams have developed other chassis innovations to reclaim much of that "lost" downforce.

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