2006 FIA Formula One World Championship
New teams, new rules, new formats - that is the buzz for the new 2006 season, introduced by the sport's governing body, the FIA to help add spice to the sport. Among the latest changes include a much smaller engine, more tyres and a new qualifying format.

2006 Regulations.
The only constant factor is change.
It’s back to the drawing board once again for spectators, drivers and strategists alike in 2006, with the introduction of a series of new technical and sporting regulations.

Smaller engines:
from 2006, the Formula One cars will line up with
2.4-litre V8 engines. Alternatively, derated 3.0-litre V10 engines from 2005 may also be used. 

More tyres:
Different types of tyre are permitted for dry and wet or damp track conditions, as well as for extreme weather. Over the course of the race weekend, each driver is permitted a maximum of seven sets of dry-weather tyres with no more than two specifications. However, all tyres used in qualifying and the race itself have to be of the same specification. During the race, tyres (of the same specification) may be changed as often as desired.

In addition, each driver may have a maximum of four sets of wet-weather tyres and three sets of extreme-weather tyres. Only one specification is permitted of both these types of tyre. This specification must meet the precise stipulations governing contact area when new.

Knockout qualifying:
The single-lap qualifying system of 2005 has been axed. In 2006 the track is free for all cars between 14.00 and 14.15 hrs. The slowest five then drop out and fill the final five grid positions in order of lap time. After part 2 of qualifying between 14.20 and 14.35 hrs, the five slowest drivers again drop out and fill grid positions eleven to 15. If there are 22 or 24 cars at the start of qualifying, the slowest six drivers in each of the first two qualifying sessions drop out.

Qualifying for the top ten drivers lasts for 20 minutes and lap times set so far are erased. The remaining drivers must begin the final 20-minute session with the same fuel load with which they plan to start the race. Whatever fuel they use in the 20 minutes may be replaced at the end of the session. During the first 40 minutes of qualifying, on the other hand, the cars may be refuelled as often as desired. Drivers finishing outside the top ten in qualifying (or the top twelve if there are 24 qualifiers) may also refuel between qualifying and the race.

For more information on the championship, visit the FIA website at www.fia.com