Tyre change
Current Indycar tyre supplier Firestone has failed to take up an option as the series’ tyre supplier after 2011. Firestone, which are owned by Bridgestone, have been involved in the Indycar series since 1996. In 2000, Firestone became the sole supplier of tyres to the series when Goodyear ended its involvement with Indycar at the end of ’99.
Negotiations are currently taking place between Indycar CEO Randy Bernard and Firestone to resolve the issue.
2.2 litre engines from 2012
The Indycar engine committee has announced a reduction in engine size from 2012 as part of the new regulations for 2012. The cars currently have 2.4 litre engines but from next year will be reduced to 2.2 litre six cylinder turbo charged units. So far, Lotus, Chevrolet and Honda have committed to producing engines next year.
The return of Edmonton
The popular airport-based circuit of Edmonton has returned to the Indycar schedule for 2011. Canadians will see their Indycar action on July 24th, although the circuit is thought to be altered due to ongoing negotiations. The race was dropped from the 2010 calendar due to the associated costs of running the race at the city centre airport.
Double up
In a bid to encourage more overtaking, Indycar officials have introduced two by two restarts during oval races this year. Races held on road and street courses will still be restarted in single file.
