Well it looks like thing are really getting shaken up for 2008.  New rules and regulations are getting underway and testing has begun.  However, there are some other issues that need to be addressed.  But before we go there, let’s get up to speed on what we know so far. 

Right now it looks as though slick tires are back on the grid over a several year hiatus.  This has been controversial ever since the newer “grooved” tires have been introduced.  The reason for the initial tire change had to do with slowing the cars down because they were going to fast.  It was also questionable that slicks where not as safe in the event of wet/damp conditions.  On the other hand though, slicks have always been faster… or have they?  Mechanical grip is for sure improved with tire grip however, I don’t know if aerodynamics had had a better part in that with using the grooves as air stabilizers.  I’m not an expert so… I’ll leave it at that.

Another key feature is one that is actually going away; traction control.  This is the big one that most of the drivers are concerned with.  Kim Raikkonen was quoted on Autosport,  “If I had to drive the same Ferrari I had in Brazil, then I would probably have stayed on vacation,” Raikkonen told Gazzetta dello Sport. “  With with all the new electronics, you have to be here. I can’t deny I’m happy to be back behind the wheel.”  In an effort to slow the cars down more and to make for more passing along with driver errors, traction control is being removed to make the sport more exciting.  It’s also a concern that it will make the sport more dangerous.  The loss of traction control will allow for more accidents according to some drivers.

ECU changes are also being mandated by the FIA.  Team McLaren and Microsoft are working with the FIA to have a standardized ECU to be used throughout the teams.  This is something that needs to be looked farther into because the tuning software must not be favored to the McLaren team.  Again, I’m sure the FIA is going to keep a close eye on this.