What's New in F1 for 2010?

So, while we wait for the announcement of the second drivers for Renault, Campos, and USF1, let’s take a look at what has changed in Formula 1 for the 2010 season:

• Four new teams:  Lotus, Campos, Virgin (formerly Manor GP), and USF1 (let’s hope for a US Grand Prix to follow in 2011)

• The loss of two more factory teams – BMW and Toyota

• Driver changes: Alonso to Ferrari, Kubica to Renault, Raikkonen out to WRC, Button to McLaren, Rosberg and the return of Michael Schumacher to Mercedes (Brawn), Barichello to Williams, Trulli to Lotus

• New drivers (so far): Bruno Senna at Campos, Lucas de Grassi at Virgin (Manor GP), Jose Maria Lopez at USF1, Kamui Kobayashi and Pedro de la Rosa at Sauber (neither is completely new, but both now have full-time rides)

• No KERS

• No refueling

• Narrower front tires (from 270 mm to 245 mm)

• New race in Korea

• The last year for Bridgestone

• BMW bought back by Sauber

• A new FIA President – Max is gone, Jean Todt is in

• Canada is back on the calendar, but still no US Grand Prix

• A revamped Bahrain circuit

• Mercedes dumps its 40% share of McLaren and now owns 75% of Brawn, which has become Mercedes GP

• A new points system (25, 18, 15, 12, 10, 8, 6, 4, 2, 1 top ten is the latest proposal by FOTA)

• Former F1 drivers as part of group of 3 permanent stewards selected from a pool of 10, plus 1 national steward, for a total of 4 at each event, hopefully bringing a more professional aura to stewarding

• Engine changes: Williams to Cosworth. All of the new teams also Cosworth-powered

• Several regulation detail changes in the areas of testing, garage placement, qualifying, and engine use

Given the changes in the driver lineup and all of the above, 2010 should prove to be a very interesting year in F1. I can’t wait for March 14th!

Voodoo Bob