Formula One Specifications

The FIA (the governing body of motorsport) has made quite a few changes to the technical regulations of F1 cars. Some of these will be in effect as early as the start of the 2006 season and the rest will only come into play in 2008.

Here are some of the more interesting specs that have changed: It was decided last night (Monday 24th Ocober) at a meeting of the Formula One Commission in London that the qualifying format for Formula One is changing for next season and the changing of tyres during races will be allowed again. They are also considering a radical change in the rear-wing design which might be brought in as early as 2007.

The new qualifying is going to work as follows:

A 3 phase qualifying knockout with the 5 slowest cars after 15 minutes dropping out. 5 more cars will drop out in the next 15 minutes and the remaining cars will compete in a 20 minute session for the top positions on the grid.

Qualifying has been changed a lot in recent years to try and get better exposure for smaller teams and at the same time mix the grid up to allow for more overtaking during a race.

The new split rear wing (called the Centre Downwash Generating Wing) has been designed to allow closer following and therefore more passing opportunities as well. A step in the right direction as recent changes to the cars and especially aerodynamics have been mostly to slow the cars down instead of increase entertainment.

The weight of the entire vehicle, including the driver, must now not be less than 550kg. This has been decreased from 605kg.

The engines have been down-sized to 2.4 litre V8 motors with 4 valves per cylinder. The minimum number of gears for these cars is 4 and the maximum is 7. The wheel width at the front of all cars must be between 390mm and 450mm with the width at the rear being between 490mm and 505mm. The overall weight of the engine must be at least 95kg.

The FIA have given a concession to manufacturers and teams not ready with their new engines saying they will allow them to use other engines (such as the V10 engines currently being used) with the performance decreased; obviously this will be controlled by the FIA and no-one else.

All cars must now be fitted with a starter which the driver must be capable of using to start the engine from his seated position. This should cut out some of those embarrasing failed starts to GP's for some drivers.

From 2008 the FIA will choose 1 tyre manufacturer to supply all the teams. This is a dramatic change and should increase the excitement value by levelling the playing field a bit; it's a real pity they could only get this in from 2008.

Pit to car telemetry will be prohibited so the team will not be able to fix any gremlins from the pit-wall and all voice radio communication must be open and accessible to both the FIA and the broadcasters.

No competitor can carry out more than 30,000km of testing during a year.

Some interesting changes here, I sincerely hope it increases the competitiveness and excitement of this sport because it needs it.

Written by the Webmaster of the site for all your Formula One updates, All About All Sport.com

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Wedding Flowers

The selection process of your wedding flowers will usually begin with a discussion of the Brides bouquet. You will have a choice of several basic styles. These are cascade, crescent, contemporary, nosegay, hand tied bouquet and arm or presentation style. You can better prepare for your first meeting with your florist if you bring the following;

A list of those in your wedding party that will need flowers.

A list of what flowers you will want at the ceremony.

A list of what flowers will be needed at the reception, including table count, size and shape.

Color/fabric swatches and pictures of your dress and bridesmaids dresses, if you have them.

Feel free to also bring pictures of flowers that you like.

Your florist will also have pictures of flowers, bouquets and arrangements to help determine exactly what will create the wedding of your dreams. If your wedding has a "theme", let your florist know before the consultation, as they can prepare suggestions to fit the style of your wedding. After style, the next thing to consider is if there are any specific flowers you want.

Keep in mind that some flowers are not in season year round. The flowers that will give the best presentation are those in their season prime. Make sure you let your florist know if your ceremony and/or reception will be held outdoors. Certain flowers do not hold up in hot/humid conditions. Consider color, shape, and fragrance when selecting your bouquet flowers. A note of advice on color choice, avoid all white flowers, they do not photograph well.

It is important that you are upfront with your florist about your budget. Not just for your bouquet but for all of your flowers. Be realistic. You may want a $200 bridal bouquet, but if you only have $400 for a flower budget, you will not have enough left for 3 bridesmaids bouquets, 2 corsages, 3 boutonnieres and 15 centerpieces for your reception. Choose similar flowers to be used throughout your wedding. Using 20 different kinds of flowers will quickly increase the cost. Your florist can balance your needs with your budget. They can offer alternatives. Exotic flowers such as Orchids are very pretty, but they are more expensive. Consider more affordable flowers if you are on a budget. Dont plan your wedding near big flower holidays, such as Valentines Day, Easter and Mothers Day. If you do, expect to pay more for your flowers. Not because the florist's want to charge you more, but due to the fact that the wholesalers charge more during these busy holidays based on growing and demand.

Once you have chosen your Bouquet you have selected the center of your wedding flowers. The other pieces can be used to incorporate your bouquet flowers throughout your entire wedding. The following is an example list of the flowers you may need for your Special Day...

Brides Bouquet
Toss Bouquet for Bride to Throw
Maid of Honor Bouquet
Bridesmaids Bouquets
Grooms Boutonniere
Boutonnieres for Best Man and other male attendants in the wedding
Boutonnieres for Father of Bride and Groom
Corsages for Mothers/Grandmothers and/or Guests of Honor
Boutonniere for Ring Bearer
Flower Basket (with petals?) or small bouquet for flower girl*
Ceremony Arrangements (can serve double duty at your reception perhaps at your buffet)
Vase at Guest Book Table
Centerpieces for Reception Tables (make sure you get an accurate count)
Centerpiece for Head Table (usually larger than other centerpieces)
Flowers or Petals for Cake Table (Flowers for Cake if necessary)

*If you are considering petals for the aisle at your ceremony, make sure your accomodations allow them. Also remember that roses with color petals will stain the carpet if stepped on. White petals are recommended for carpeted areas.

A very important detail is to make sure your florist knows exactly when and where your flowers will need to be delivered. They will also need to know ahead of time if you will need them to set up the flowers. If you have someone else handling set up, make sure your florist knows who they are and how to reach them. You will probably want your flowers to arrive at least an hour before you need them. Make sure you have somewhere safe and cool to keep them until you use them. Always leave your florist a phone number of someone you trust (preferrably with a cel phone) that can handle any last minute decisions regarding your flowers.

Finally, when it comes to your wedding flowers, don't skimp! I have heard many sad stories about bride's trying "do-it-yourself" flowers or having a friend design them, only to end up with bouquets falling apart minutes before the wedding! Don't risk it! Experienced florists process and design your wedding flowers for optimum presentation and performance. Your flowers are one of the most important elements of your wedding! You want them to be beautiful. They compliment you, your wedding party, your wedding photos and provide an elegant atmosphere for you and your guests on your special day!

Congratulations!

Tenley McDonald- Former Florist- Now Co-Owner of http://www.flowerpowernetwork.com (Online Directory of Real Local Florists) Ms. McDonald has over 14 years experience in ~Consumer Relations/Marketing ~Customer Service Management ~Floral Design. Please email the Author directly for reprint permission of this article.

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