So, I know this is going against the grain a little for what I normally post here (read: nothing but car pictures) but I thought this was pretty interesting. For those of you who follow Formula 1, you probably know that 2009 has been a strange season so far with dramatic rule changes, a return to slicks, a diffuser debacle, the world champion making a bit of a fool of himself, and much much more. However, 2010 is looking like it’s going to be just as interesting a season as the FIA have released some new documentation regarding rule changes for the 2010 racing season.

HIghlights:

• Budget of 40 million pounds
• 13 Teams
• For 2010 only, that 40m £ figure does not include engine costs
• 10 million USD stipend from the FIA given to each constructor team
• 20 airfare tickets, 10,000 kg of cargo space given to constructors by the FIA for each race outside Europe

Now, here’s where it gets interesting. Teams have the option to either take the budget cap, or they can continue with no budget restriction. However, the teams that do actually accept the budgeting limitation get additional technical freedoms on and off the track. Teams who take the budgetary limitations have no rev limiter on the cars, and movable wings in the front and rear. Additionally, these teams will have no limit to their out of season testing and wind tunnel usage, which is currently restricted by the FIA.

Long rumored to be the case, it has now been confirmed that refueling will be banned for 2010. This will challenge engine builders to construct more efficient engines. Tire warmers of any kind are also banned.

Personally, I welcome these changes. I can’t wait to see which teams opt in for the restricted budget, and to see which of those teams use their technical advantages to produce victories. See you in 2010!

http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2009/4/9290.html

Full Article ^^^