Fenderman
Rooters Reporter
Teams can introduce changes throughout the season providing they comply with the Technical Reg's. Homologation in the context of modern motor racing literally means an agreement to build and develop the cars within specified limits (by the FIA or other relevant governing bodies). The following is the relevant extract from the FIA's 2012 Technical Regulations:
"2.4 Compliance with the regulations :
Automobiles must comply with these regulations in their entirety at all times during an Event.
Should a competitor introduce a new design or system or feel that any aspect of these
regulations is unclear, clarification may be sought from the FIA Formula One Technical
Department. If clarification relates to any new design or system, correspondence must include:
‐ A full description of the design or system.
‐ Drawings or schematics where appropriate.
‐ The competitor's opinion concerning the immediate implications on other parts of the
car of any proposed new design.
‐ The competitor's opinion concerning any possible long term consequences or new
developments which may come from using any such new designs or systems.
‐ The precise way or ways in which the competitor feels the new design or system will
enhance the performance of the car.
2.5 New systems or technologies :
Any new system, procedure or technology not specifically covered by these regulations, but
which is deemed permissible by the FIA Formula One Technical Department, will only be
admitted until the end of the Championship during which it is introduced. Following this the
Formula One Commission will be asked to review the technology concerned and, if they feel it
adds no value to Formula One in general, it will be specifically prohibited.
Any team whose technology is prohibited in this way will then be required to publish full
technical details of the relevant system or procedure."
Having gone through the Tech and the Sporting Reg's for 2012 the only things I can find that are "homologated" in an absolute sense are the engines which have been homologated since 2008.
In the general sense, obviously facets of the construction such as the cockpit/survival cell are strictly specified but that does not necessarily preclude updating a chassis so long as those elements are in compliance.
