New Season ; New Life ; New Battle

Hello friends, after months and months of waiting, the 2005 season has finally begun (well, kinda).

Earlier when the 2004 season ended I thought a part of me had died but then some one told me, ”…you would not enjoy summer if there wasn't winter, you wouldn't like fridays if there were no mondays…”, and its right..

But now I’m excited, my batteries are fully charged and I’m eagerly waiting for Sunday, the 6^th February. You know the reason. Yes the first Formula1 Grand Prix of new season which brings new life to all F1 freaks after long hibernation and new battle among fastest people of the world with there machines.

So what all is NEW, this year?

New kids on the block

Narain Karthikeyen, Indian driver with Jordan. Uptill now Narain was a just a test driver for Minardi, Jordan and Jaguar. He is new to the rigors of formula1 racing. People think he mite not last the whole season as he is not fully fit. Some people think he is here with Jordan because of endorsements n sponsorships. But what I feel is….the boy has talent…n he is going to prove to his critics. The 7 time formula1 champion Mr. Schumacher thinks he is capable of it and so do I.

The other new drivers in formula1 are : Tiago Monteiro for Jordan, Christijan Albers and Patrick Friesacher both for Minardi

New circuit

In the past year we've seen the Formula1 word expand to accommodate Bahrain and China. Now I eagerly look forward to the Turkish Grand Prix on what looks likely to be the best new-build drivers' circuit yet. The Kurtköy track, like Sao Paolo and Imola runs anti-clockwise and its setting in rolling countryside about 50km East of Istanbul, really gives some great camber changes and viewing points.

New rules

A number of changes have been made by the FIA for the 2005 Formula1 season. A change in Qualification system, Drivers will have access to far fewer tyres in 2005 and will have to make a single set last through both qualifying sessions and the entire race. A tyre can only be changed during this time if it is punctured or damaged. Drivers will also have access to wet and extreme-weather tyres. These can only be used when the track is declared wet by the race director.

Engines, now they must last distance of around 1,500 kilometers (close to 1000 miles). If a driver requires an engine change ahead of qualifying, he will drop ten places on the grid for that race. That puts them under constant pressure to take good care of their engines. The teams make more reliable engines which changes the power and rpm outputs, hence reducing car performance.

Aerodynamic regulations have been dramatically revised in a bid to reduce downforce and hence cut performance. The key changes are a higher nose and front wing section, a changed rear diffuser profile, and the bringing forward of the rear wing structure.

All these changes could cut downforce by as much as 25 percent over 2004.

Which means slower laps times and trickier-handling cars which would be a good test for a driver (God Bless Narain).

So guys just sit back and enjoy the season.