The 2014 season of Formula 1 2014 is about to start and we will be witness to a number of changes starting from the engine, tothe car, to race regulations to new teams and drivers.
Ten of the 11 F1 teams were in action this week at Jerez for the first pre-season test of 2014. The teams were out on the track to test the new cars that came with the new engines so that they could collect data, let the drivers adjust to the new cars and technical regulations.
We segregatted the changes made this year in F1 and brought it for you on a platter, so here goes.
Engine & Power : The 2.4 litre normally aspirated V8 engines are replace by the 1.6 litre V6 turbo engines which revv to a maximum of 15,000 rpm. While the old V8s produced more than 750bhp, the 2014 units put out around 600bhp with additional power coming from Energy Recovery Systems (ERS).
From 2014, a larger proportion of each car's power comes from ERS which, together with the engine makes up the power train or power unit. Generating energy under braking, ERS units also generate power using waste heat from the engine's turbocharger.
Unlike the previous KERS - which gave drivers an extra 80bhp for just over six seconds per lap - the 2014 ERS gives drivers around 160bhp for approximately 33 seconds per lap. To compensate for the extra power being generated under braking by ERS, teams are allowed to use an electronic rear brake control system. To promote fuel efficiency from 2014, fuel is limited to 100 kg per race. Minimum weight of the car has been increased from the current 642kg to 690kg.
Testing - In-season testing returns for 2014, albeit in a restricted format. Regulations are in place for allowing four tests of no more than two consecutive days at circuits where an event has taken place. There are also increased restrictions on windtunnel testing and CFD simulations.
Points - Double drivers and constructors points will be awarded at the final race of the Formula One season in order to maximise focus on the championship until the end of the campaign.
Driver numbers - Drivers will be asked to choose their race number, between 2 and 99, for the duration of their career in the FIA Formula One World Championship. Number 1 will be reserved for the current world champion, should he choose to use it. If more than one driver chooses the same number, priority will be given to the driver who finished highest in the previous year's championship. The driver number must be clearly visible on the front of the car and on the driver's crash helmet.
Additional Friday practice drivers - We are used to seeing teams replace one of their race drivers with a test driver for opening practice on a Friday. However, from 2014 teams are able to run up to four drivers - though still only two cars - in either Friday session.
New penalties - Race stewards will have the option to hand out five-second penalties for minor infringements. Additionally, any driver who earns 12 penalty points on their superlicence during a 12-month period will be given a one-race ban.
Pole position trophy - A new trophy will be awarded to the driver who scores the most pole positions during the season.In the event of a tie, the trophy will be awarded to the driver who holds the greatest number of second places. If there is still a tie, the greatest number of third places will be taken into account and so on until a winner emerges.
2014 Teams and Drivers
RED BULL
Drivers: Sebastian Vettel and Daniel Ricciardo.
Reserve drivers: Antonio Felix da Costa and Sebastien Buemi.
Engine: Renault.
MERCEDES
Drivers: Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg.
Engine: Mercedes.
FERRARI
Drivers: Fernando Alonso and Kimi Raikkonen.
Test drivers: Davide Rigon, Marc Gene and Pedro de la Rosa.
Engine: Ferrari.
LOTUS
Drivers: Romain Grosjean and Pastor Maldonado.
Engine: Renault
McLAREN
Drivers: Jenson Button and Kevin Magnussen
Reserve driver: Stoffel Vandoorne.
Engine: Mercedes.
FORCE INDIA
Drivers: Nico Hulkenberg and Sergio Perez.
Reserve driver: Daniel Juncadella.
Engine: Mercedes.
SAUBER
Drivers: Adrian Sutil and Esteban Gutierrez.
Reserve drivers: Sergey Sirotkin and Giedo van der Garde.
Engine: Ferrari.
TORO ROSSO
Drivers: Jean-Eric Vergne and Daniil Kvyat.
Engine: Renault.
WILLIAMS
Drivers: Felipe Massa and Valtteri Bottas.
Engine: Mercedes.
MARUSSIA
Drivers: Jules Bianchi and Max Chilton.
Engine: Ferrari.
CATERHAM
Drivers: Kamui Kobayashi and Marcus Ericsson.
Reserve drivers: Robin Frijns and Alexander Rossi.
Engine: Renault.
