2017 season of Formula One to kick off next week
What's the story
The 2017 Formula One season is all set to kick off with the Australian Grand Prix from 26 March 2017. With the defending champion Nico Rosberg retired, it will be the first time in the last 23 years that an incumbent champion will not be on the staring grid. Let us have a look at the changes in championship we will see this year.
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Fatter tyres for more grip
The size of the tyres have being increased by 25 percent this year for a better grip. The rears have been expanded to 405mm from 325, while the fronts have gone to 305mm from 245.
New car specifications
Changes in dimensions and fuel allowance
The car has become wider, with the width being increased to 2000 mm from 1800 mm. This has led to increase in the weight of the car, making it heavier by 20 kilograms. The teams have also been allowed to keep 105 kg of petrol, instead of the previous 100. The increased capacity will compensate for the increased weight of the car.
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Changes in the aerodynamics of the car
To improve the lap timings of the car by about four to five seconds, the front wing was increased to 1800mm from 1650mm. The front wing also features a backward sweep to reduce the turbulence from the car, also making the car tougher to drive.
Details
Management and schedule changes
After 40-years of holding the post of chief executive of the Formula One Group, Bernie Ecclestone left the office after Liberty Media bought stakes in the sport from CVC Capital Partners. Bernie has been replaced by Chase Carey as the chief executive and chairman of Formula One. The German Grand Prix was removed from the race calendar, meaning one less race in 2017.