99 REGULATIONS
Engines
The Formula One engine capacity must not exceed 3000cc and the maximum number of cylinders allowed is 12. The engine must also be normally aspirated.
Gearbox
Minimum four-speed transmission, maximum seven-speed. Reverse gear compulsory. Four-wheel drive cars are forbidden.
Width
The overall width of the car must not exceed 180cm.
The wings may not exceed 140cm at the front and 100cm at the rear.
Also the front wing may not exceed the front-wheel axis by more than 90cm.
Weight
The weight of the car and the driver must not be less than 600 kg.
Height
A maximum of 95cm overall- excepting rollover structures, which must be shaped to have any significant aerodynamic influence on the car's performance.
The maximum height of the rear wing is 80cm.
Tyres
All tyres must incorporate circumferential grooves around the entire tyre (parallel to the car).
Each front and back dry tyre must have four grooves.
The front tyre tread must not exceed 270mm.
Drivers can have a choice of 32 dry tyres and 28 wet tyres which are different compounds. Before qualifying they must decide which type of compound tyres they are going to use. They are permitted 16 tyres only for qualifying.
Wheels
A maximum of 380mmcm in width and 660mm in diameter. The number of wheels is fixed at four.
Fuel
Refuelling is allowed and there is no limit on how much fuel is used, although it is subject to approval before an event from the FIA by submitting a sample for analysis.
No oil replenishment is allowed during a
race.
As of 1999 the engine oil system breather must
feed directly into the airbox to avoid oil being deposited on the track.
Race requirements
All cars must be fitted with either two cameras, two camera housings or one of each at all times throughout any event.
All cars must be fitted with a timing transponder supplied by the officially appointed timekeepers.
Driver Aids
Electronic aids such as traction control and active suspension are not allowed, nor are anti-lock power brakes, four wheel drive or supercharging the engine.
Drivers are allowed to download electronic data, but no changes can be made to the car from the pits during the race.
All cars must have at least two mirrors mounted so that the driver has visibility to the rear and both sides of the car.
Driver Protection and Safety
Energy absorbing rear impact structures had to be fitted for the 1997 season.
An ADR (Accident Data Recorder) is also fitted to the car to give out information on what happened to the car before and during an accident.
This will enable the FIA to make advances in driver protection.
Drivers must wear two 75mm wide shoulder straps, one abdominal strap and two straps between the legs - which should be securely fixed to the car.
All cars must be equipped with three headrest areas of specific material, thickness and position.
All cars must have two rollover structures of a specific position, thickness and are subject to passing FIA testing.
The steering wheel must be fitted with a quick release mechanism.
Its method of release must be by pulling a concentric flange installed on the steering column behind the wheel.
From a normal seating position, with all seat belts fastened, and whilst wearing his usual driving equipment, a driver must be able to remove the steering wheel and get out of the car within five seconds and then replace the steering wheel within a total of 10 seconds.
All cars must be fitted with a fire extinguishing system, which will discharge into the cockpit and into the engine compartment.
The driver must be able to cut off all the
electrical circuits to the ignition, all fuel pumps and rear light by means
of a spark-proof circuit breaker switch - which must be located and specifically
marked on the dashboard.
As of 1999 the drivers' seat must be totally removeable and the neutral switch must be positioned and specifically marked for easier steward's access.
With immediate effect
Recoverable energy
The maximum recoverable energy stored
in the car is now limited to an amount which could not be used to increase
performance.
Fuel
The fuel for Formula One cars must comply
with the European fuel directive 98/70 EC and the specifications which
will be mandatory in the European Union from 1st January 2000 (maximum
sulphur content 150 parts per million).
Differential
Electronic differentials may now only
use the actually measured torque,and not the "theoretical" engine torque.
As of January 1st, 2000
Fuel
The fuel for Formula One cars will comply
with the specifications which will be introduced in the European Union
in 2005 (maximum sulphur
content 50 parts per million).
Impact absorbing structure
In order to improve passive safety the rear absorbing
structure will have a minimal external cross section of 90 cm2.
© PA Sporting Life