F1 to stay ahead of rule changes

(GMM) Championship leader Lewis Hamilton on Thursday expressed confidence formula one can stay ahead of the sweeping rule changes set to come into force in 2009.

Teams are currently working hard in preparation for next year, when a drastic reduction in aerodynamic downforce poses a threat to the sort of lap times currently being set at grands prix.

The return of slick tires, and the 'boost' button in the form of energy-recovery KERS systems, should help the drivers to claw back the lost speed, and Briton Hamilton said on a visit to Mumbai that he believes development advances can stay ahead of efforts to slow the cars.

"GP2 is getting faster and formula one will have to stay faster," the McLaren driver said in India for a promotional event.

"Every time new rules and regulations are brought in, teams only get faster," Hamilton added, according to the news agency PTI.