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This article is about the 2005 Formula One season. (See also: 2004 Formula One season)
Drivers and constructors
The following teams and drivers are currently set to enter the 2005 FIA Formula One World Championship.
Unconfirmed data is signified by a pink background.
Driver changes
The most noticeable change to the 2005 season will be its driver lineup — only 7 drivers will be racing for the same team with which they began the 2004 season. Another 7 drivers have switched to new squads for 2005, which will also see the return of 1997 champion Jacques Villeneuve after nearly a year's absence. With Fisichella returning, in sorts, to Renault, he promises an interesting matchup for younger teammate Massa. Other intriguing '05 driver pairings include: the fiery Räikkönen and Montoya at McLaren; Webber and Heidfeld at Williams; and veterans Trulli and Schumacher at Toyota.
Many pundits believe that Nicolas Kiesa is most likely to take the vacant Minardi slot. Drivers still searching for a seat include Anthony Davidson, Zsolt Baumgartner, Gianmaria Bruni, Timo Glock, Giorgio Pantano, Franck Montagny, Bas Leinders, and Neel Jani. There will also be three rookie drivers in 2005: Albers, Monteiro, and Karthikeyan (the first ever Indian F1 driver).
Team changes
Red Bull has purchased and taken over the now-defunct Jaguar team. Renamed to Red Bull Racing, they will run Cosworth engines for 2005. Red Bull's lead driver will be veteran David Coulthard; both Christian Klien and Vitantonio Liuzzi have signed as test drivers, and it is speculated that they will split the race drives between them.
Jordan have accepted a deal to use Toyota engines; however, the engines will not be known as Toyotas, and will instead be rebadged (as Petronas rebadges Ferrari engines for Sauber). Also, Eddie Jordan has reportedly sold a significant portion of Jordan, although the team will keep its current name for the duration of the season.
Rules changes
For a while, there existed a distinct possibility that some teams would be running three race cars per grand prix. (Fewer than 10 teams, or 20 cars, starting on the grid would have resulted in some teams running three cars, under an obscure term in the Concorde Agreement.) However, it appears certain that there will be the necessary ten teams, although Red Bull have yet to launch their contender (and aren't scheduled to do so until scant days before the season's inaugural event).
- Qualifying
- The 2005 season will also feature a new qualifying format (marking the third year in five with sharply-revised qualifying rules). Qualifying will now be determined by the aggregate times from two single-lap flying runs, one Saturday afternoon and one Sunday morning. Refueling will be allowed after the first qualifying run Saturday; however, the car must be fueled for the race for Sunday's qualifying. (Although some rules changes are brought about to even the playing field or to reduce costs, this rule change was prompted by the typhoon which rescheduled qualifying for the 2004 Japanese Grand Prix).
- Tyres
- A hugely significant change in 2005 will be the absence of tyre changes during pit stops. Under 2005 regulations, a driver must use just one set of tyres during qualifying and the race itself. Of course, tyre changes will be allowed for punctures and for wet weather, under the direction of the stewards. Obviously, preserving a single set of tyres for an entire race will be a new challenge for drivers; the challenge for tyre manufactures will be to produce harder, stronger compounds.
- Engine life
- Formula One engines must now last two race weekends, up double from last year. If a driver needs an engine change before qualifying, then he is dropped 10 grid spaces for the race; if an engine requires changing during or after qualifying, then he must start from the back of the grid. Designed to limit revs and power outputs demanded by greater reliability, this regulation is also a cost-cutting measure for engine manufacturers.
- Aerodynamics
- The technical aerodynamics regulations have been modified in 2005 to improve competition, especially for cars (traveling in another car's aeroflow wake) attempting an overtaking manuever. By changing the size and placement of both front and rear wings, as well as requiring higher noses, the new rules promise to reduce downforce by roughly one-quarter.
Grand Prix calendar
The 2005 Formula One calendar will feature a new event in Turkey, just miles from the Europe-Asia dividing line. The newly-built circuit in Istanbul joins last season's newcomers Bahrain and China, which return for their second running this season. Furthermore, the 2005 calendar boasts 19 championship events — the most ever grands prix staged in a season.
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