2012 Season Changes
Compared to the major changes introduced for 2011 - DRS, KERS, Pirelli tyres etc. - those for the 2012 season may seem relatively minor. Some, however, will still have a significant impact…
No blown diffusers
The FIA is clamping down on engine mapping and exhaust positioning to minimise designers’ use of exhaust gases in a car’s aerodynamics, effectively outlawing blown diffusers.
Crash tests
There will be tougher side impact testing and new cars must now pass all required FIA crash tests prior to any on-track testing.
Safety car
During a safety-car period, all lapped cars will be allowed to unlap themselves and then join the back of the pack, ensuring a clean re-start without slower cars impeding those racing for the leading positions.
Driving etiquette
Drivers may no longer leave the track without a justifiable reason, i.e. cutting a chicane on reconnaissance laps or in-laps to save time and fuel, and drivers may no longer move back onto the racing line having moved off it to defend a position.
Race suspensions
There will now be a maximum race time of four hours to ensure that a lengthy suspension of a race does not result in a race that could run up to eight hours if left unregulated. Cars which were in the pit lane when the race was suspended will now be allowed to re-join the cars on the grid in the position they were in at the time of the race suspension.
Testing
In addition to the established pre-season tests, one three-day test will be carried out during the season. Formerly there was none.
Tyre allocation
All tyres allocated to a driver may now be used on the first day of practice. Formerly only three sets were permitted on the opening day of the Grand Prix weekend.
Formula1.com
Compared to the major changes introduced for 2011 - DRS, KERS, Pirelli tyres etc. - those for the 2012 season may seem relatively minor. Some, however, will still have a significant impact…
No blown diffusers
The FIA is clamping down on engine mapping and exhaust positioning to minimise designers’ use of exhaust gases in a car’s aerodynamics, effectively outlawing blown diffusers.
Crash tests
There will be tougher side impact testing and new cars must now pass all required FIA crash tests prior to any on-track testing.
Safety car
During a safety-car period, all lapped cars will be allowed to unlap themselves and then join the back of the pack, ensuring a clean re-start without slower cars impeding those racing for the leading positions.
Driving etiquette
Drivers may no longer leave the track without a justifiable reason, i.e. cutting a chicane on reconnaissance laps or in-laps to save time and fuel, and drivers may no longer move back onto the racing line having moved off it to defend a position.
Race suspensions
There will now be a maximum race time of four hours to ensure that a lengthy suspension of a race does not result in a race that could run up to eight hours if left unregulated. Cars which were in the pit lane when the race was suspended will now be allowed to re-join the cars on the grid in the position they were in at the time of the race suspension.
Testing
In addition to the established pre-season tests, one three-day test will be carried out during the season. Formerly there was none.
Tyre allocation
All tyres allocated to a driver may now be used on the first day of practice. Formerly only three sets were permitted on the opening day of the Grand Prix weekend.
Formula1.com