Tech Know How

It's Thursday night.  In just two sleeps, 20 Formula One teams will take to the track around Albert Park in Melbourne, and vie to take the first pole position of the season.

They've been practicing, testing and more practicing. They've incorporated the technological changes, interpreted the rules the best way they can.

So, what are the changes?

Gearboxes must last five races; instead of four from last year - this is predominantly a money-saving change, in an effort to keep the cost of racing down!

Team orders will, once again, be allowed.  Last year, Ferrari were found guilty of using team orders, and now the FIA (the men in charge!!) have decided to allow the orders to be used.

Adjustable rear wing - Under certain race conditions, the drivers will be able to change the angle of the rear wing.  This means the car will 'stick' to the ground, increasing downforce, and allow the driver to push even harder.

KERS - Kinetic Energy Recovery System - It takes the energy produced through breaking, and uses it to provide a small burst of power.  There are rules around when it can be used, but in the right place, at the right time, this will add some extra drama to the race.  Of all the tech changes, this is one that could soon be in use in the cars we drive.

This is just a brief look at the changes.  For full information, I recommend heading over to F1 Fanatic.  It's a terrific website, that will give you everything (and I mean everything) you need to know about Formula 1.

Not long now, til we see the cars in action.  Tomorrow night, in the last of my weeks pre-season blogs, I'll introduce you to the teams.