In the latest change made in the ever-changing Formula 1 scene, it has now been decided that drivers will be alloted race numbers, like many other premier class series such as MotoGP.
This has lead to a frenzy with every driver having to choose one particular number to race, for the rest of their careers. As of now, the Ferrari drivers have confirmed their choices: Kimi Raikkonen is known to have chosen the number 7 while Fernando Alonso will run the number 14. Lotus F1 driver Romain Grosjean has shortlisted 8, 11 and 29.
The 2014 season of the Formula 1 World Championship begins on March 16 in Australia and will run for 19 races. There are two new venues, Russia and Austria, which makes a return to the calendar, while India and South Korea have been dropped. The major rule change is the switch to 1.6-litre turbocharged V6 engines from 2.4-litre naturally aspirated V8s. The engine and gearbox life parameters have also been extended. Another proposed change is the allocation of double points to the final race. All of this should make for an exciting season ahead. Just over two months to go!
Story: Jim Gorde
Image: DPPI
