Mixed responses over rule change

The 2017’s cars may be more powerful with the new regulation making them wider, heavier and run on fatter tyres. The wings will also be wider with the rear wing lower than the current one and understandably, the aerodynamic rules evolution will generate more speed, is what the FIA is vouching.

Nevertheless, there is scepticism and plenty of apprehensions on how much the rule change would make an impact on the teams in the Formula one 2017 season.

Force India’s chief operating officer Otmar Szafnauer felt that his team have their task cut out and they face a big challenge in front of them. “Starting over without any carryover parts whatsoever has a massive impact on us. We also don’t have some of the infrastructure in place like those of the bigger teams. We source a lot of our parts from suppliers; we don’t make them ourselves — so that adds extra time. Our hopes are we’ve done a good job and others have screwed-up!” said Szafnauer, whose team is battling to finish fourth in the Constructors Championship with Williams.

Williams endorsed the same sentiments as their rivals but their financial stability for the moment has put them in a bit of comfort zone for some time, said deputy team principal Claire Williams.

“Fortunately, we’re in quite a comfortable financial position and with the regulations coming out when they did, we were able to start development work on next year’s car pretty early. Mercedes, having dominated the scene for three years on the trot, have been the last one to endorse any change in rule and team principal Toto Wolff expressed his displeasure outrightly.