Sight of 2009 F1 cars to ‘shock’

(GMM) Observers will get a "tremendous shock" when the first 2009-specification formula one cars are unveiled, according to a figure close to the development of Renault's next single seater.

Alfonso Martinez, head of the Spanish arm of the technology consulting firm Altran, is working with a group of Madrid-based engineers on aspects of the R29 machine.

Next year, slick tires and KERS are set to arrive in formula one, but Martinez said the most visually dramatic changes are the result of sweeping aerodynamic limitations.

Bodywork add-ons like flip-ups and winglets have been completely banned, the front wing is bigger, and Williams recently tried a 2009-spec rear wing; dramatically higher and smaller than in 2008.

Referring to the impact of the new bodywork rules, Martinez told the Spanish sports daily Marca: "The shock is going to be tremendous when these cars are seen."

He is not sure the changes will have the desired effect in inspiring more overtaking.

"There continues to be a lot of dirty air in the (car's) wake, although less than before."