Formula 1 cars will be louder in the 2016 season following an approval by FIA to perform a set of changes on the exhaust system. The issue of sound emerged after the switch from V8 engines to V6 hybrids in 2014. The current noise level has been criticized for being low and even tied to the “dying” popularity of the sport.
A statement released by FIA World Motor Sport Council read, “For 2016, all cars must have a separate exhaust wastegate tailpipe through which all and only wastegate exhaust gases must pass. This measure has been undertaken to increase the noise of the cars and will not have any significant effect on power or emissions.”
Mounting on-board cameras on noses of the cars will not be allowed from 2017 according to a new law passed by the governing body during a recent meeting. In addition, teams will have to comply with all safety measures during testing including padding of various areas in the cockpit.
Another major announcement made during the meeting regarding the drivers was that any driver who causes a false start will not be allowed to rejoin the grid on restart, instead they will be forced to start from the pit lanes.
Elsewhere, the first race of the 2016 Formula 1 season in Australia has been scheduled for March 20 – two weeks earlier than before. That said, the pre-season testing will also start earlier by 8 days. The first test in Barcelona had been scheduled for March 1 but will take place between February 22 and 25.
