Formula 1 chiefs unveil cost cutting measures and plans to improve TV viewing experience

by Ed Kemp, marketingmagazine.co.uk 05-Mar-09, 12:46

LONDON - The Formula One Teams Association (FOTA) has outlined its Formula One roadmap to reduce costs during troubled economic times, as well as steps to improve the sport's appeal to TV viewers.

The measures, which are divided into three categories: technical, sporting and commercial, follow a global audience survey carried out across 17 countries which canvassed views from existing fans as well as infrequent observers of the motor sport.

Technical:

- This season, Formula One teams will be limited to just 8 engines per driver - which will see a 100% increase in mileage.

- Spend on engines will be capped at €8m, dropping to just €5m next year.

- In 2010, futher costs will be made by limited spend on gearboxes to €1.5m as well as a target of reducing spend on aerodynamic development by 50%

Sporting:

- The group has also proposed a new scoring system of 12 points for the winner (currently 10), then 9, 7, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1.

- In another radical development, teams will be obliged to make public their starting fuel loads, tyre specification and refuelling date for the first time.

- FOTA has also committed to developing a new qualifying format in 2010 as well as a radical new points scoring system, which could see, for example, a constructors point awarded to the team which makes the quickest pit stop.

- In 2010, teams will have reduced amount of testing time ahead of a Grand Prix and the length of races looks set to be capped at 250km or one hour 40 minutes.

Commercial

- This season the media will be given greater access to data, with a nominated senior team spokesman to be made available to the media for TV during a Grand Prix.

- The sport has also pledged to take its lead from sports such as tennis and cricket, which have radically improved the TV viewing experience for fans in recent years through the use of technology.

- The body also aims to improve the consumer experience via team and FOTA websites. It will also look to build its global audience through mobile technology.