Low cost? at 45 million euros

When Max Mosley had expressed this idea of ​​a F1 with tight and regulatory limited costs, many had believed it to be a fad. However, the President of the FIA ​​achieved his goals during the World Council which was held yesterday in Paris. Even if the amount that teams will actually be able to spend has almost doubled since the first discussions on this subject, this is a real revolution!

In fact, the teams choosing this formula will have a maximum budget of 40 million pounds sterling, or around 45 million euros. This sum does not include marketing and reception expenses, driver salaries, engine costs (for 2010 only), fines imposed by the FIA ​​and generally any expense that does not influence on-track performance. These costs will be controlled by a commission of three experts, independent of any team entered in F1.

For new teams, Bernie Ecclestone will be very generous. As a welcome gift, the FOM will offer them 10 million dollars, as well as the transport of two single-seaters, 10 tonnes of air freight and 20 plane tickets for each round outside Europe.

In order to allow these teams to compete with the “rich” ones, the technical regulations will be more liberal. Movable front and rear wings will be permitted, while the engine will no longer be limited to 19 rpm. Outside of the season, teams will be able to carry out as many tests as they wish. They will also not be limited on the scale and speed of their wind tunnels. These last two points will however be self-limited by the budgetary envelope?

In order to satisfy as many requests as possible, the FIA ​​has decided to increase the maximum number of teams entered to 13. Applications will be open from May 22 to 29, with the shortlist being revealed on June 12.