Yet another rule change in Formula-1…and this one is big!

FIA has finalized its extensive cost cutting plan which is going to kill the game. Though no one can deny need for cost cuts in the given market situation, the rule changes are definitely not going to increase popularity of F1. Take a look at the actual plan.

What I can deduce from them is that FIA is reducing not only the direct money, but also the actual brain required. Uniformity can kill what F1 stands for. Technical changes are quite understandable. But restrictions on research are a bit too stringent. Refuelling is about to be banned from 2010 season, which is going to make the race exactly like the F1-2002 EA game that I have… brainless. With same engines, the last hope was some action in the pits. But it is not meant to be. The only positive change according to me is that information sharing has been made compulsary for constructors which would ultimately mean that we will know more about behind the screen action.

I can only say that this step was necessary for the game to survive the feared economic recession. But I sincerly hope that F1 will be restored to its old grace once it survives the tide. We dont want to see the game drown but we surely dont want it to continue this slow deathl. Moderation is a must!

Formula-1 feeling the pinch

I guess it was just a matter of time, but the global economic slowdown has hit Formula-1 as well. The consequences, as anybody can imagine, are going to be painful. The pinch became evident when Japanese constructor Honda announced that they are no longer in for the 2009 season. Their exact words were:

“We, Honda Motor Co., Ltd., have come to the conclusion that we will withdraw from all Formula One activities, making 2008 the last season of participation.”

The reason for this was slowdown in auto industry which has been cutting down the revenue globally.

Though last season was a disaster for them, Honda was always considered as a strong team. Honda entered the F1 market in 2006 (after a hiatus of about 4 decades) with a bang. They had an amazing season that year with Jenson Button and Rubens Barrichello. Both drivers being highly talented, we saw some amazing action in that car. They are looking for buyers now and according to officials, they have had at least 3 serious offers. Last year we saw Super Aguri leave the season midway when they literally ran out of cash! Now its Honda.

Under-performing teams are bound to be hit in conditions like this. I am talking of course about our very own Force India. Mallya is under a lot of heat from slowdown in Aviation sector (eventhough thats not his primary business!). Also, Bangalore Royal Challengers were a complete mess in the last season of IPL. He has had his share of bad luck this year. If things go as they are, Mallya will be forced to sell out Force India as well. Afterall he only means business.

As of now, things do not look that good for F1!