[Spud]

BG is correct about the new V8's being tested. Already at this early stage of development they are spinning at 22K RPM. Can you imagine the materials they will have to use to make these engines spin that high reliably?

However, I do wonder if cutting the aero downforce to 10% of todays levels and increasing the mechanical grip might make for closer racing in F1. Part of the problem of todays cars is that they are so dependant on aero for grip that they can't run close to eachother when at speed without suffering a huge loss of grip. That's why the only overtaking going on is in certain tight corners where you can out brake your opponent and aero is not a factor (due to reduced speeds). However on the high speed sweepers you can't do this because of the amount of unstable air left in the wake of the car in front of you.

So, I'm not sure that reducing the aero dependancy on the cars is a bad idea. Think back to the early days of aerodynamics in F1, cars had huge slicks, smallish wings, and more tight racing was seen.

But please FIA, bring back the old qualifying format. It was so mouch more exciting to see all the cars on the track at the same time, with light fuel loads, sticky tires, and lets see who has the fastest F1 car!