Tombazis says 2019 aero rules could see 50% increase in overtaking

Nikolas Tombazis has expressed his confidence in the 2019 regulation changes, believing at some events - we could see overtaking increased by 50%.

The FIA head of single-seater technical matters, Tombazis has given a little more detail on the 2019 aerodynamic changes following the first two races of the season in Australia and Bahrain.

"We were not expecting a huge delta in Australia, which is a difficult track at which to overtake in any case," Tombazis admitted to the FIA's AUTO magazine ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix.

"Some simulations were showing a 10 per cent increase of overtaking, assuming a similar evolution of a race, of course. In other races, the simulations expect a more sizeable increase, possibly to the tune of 50%.

"That's the feedback we've had so far, but it will really only become clear as we progress through the season. We weren't expecting miracles in round one at Australia, but generally, we are expecting a step in the right direction as far as aerodynamics are concerned.

"Looking at the cars in testing and seeing certain solutions there are undoubtedly a few things we might have done slightly differently in the rules. But that's always the case. Overall, I'm pleased with the direction of the aerodynamic characteristics.

"I certainly don't think we have arrived at the final destination point and we can never sit back and say, 'OK, it's all fine'. However, I think that if we hadn't gone through this process and we are sitting here writing the 2021 rules, we would be in a much weaker position.

"For what we are trying to achieve, 2019 has been a very useful exercise and has lessened the wake effect. Whether this season proves to be an exciting championship depends on how closely matched the teams are. And like everyone else, that's something I'm very anxious to see."