Change to regulations could mix things up - Harlow
As the 2009 Formula One Championship season will finally kick off next weekend, Force India's Chief Race Engineer, Dominic Harlow, gives his opinion on the Australian Grand Prix. According to Harlow, the new regulations could really mix things up this season.
Dominic Harlow: "The culmination of winter development and car build effort makes Melbourne an exciting and technically challenging race. The Albert Park circuit is hard on brakes and, being a temporary construction, has a constantly changing grip level. The weather offers plenty of variety some for the teams to deal with, from 40deg. heat as in 2008, to rain disturbances from the southern oceanic region.
"For the first time ever the race this year will be an evening event, potentially leading to cooler track conditions, however Bridgestone’s softer tyre will almost certainly struggle to resist graining and degradation.
"One very important fact to remember at this circuit however is the seemingly annual first corner accident where nearly five months of anticipation can be over in a few seconds. We have often seen safety cars in Melbourne, and it could figure again in this year’s race, and the change to the regulations could particularly mix things up
