Analysis: the success of F1?s new rules

Formula 1's delivery of thrilling grands prix in 2011 may owe much to the new rules introduced this year, but detailed mid-season analysis of exactly what has boosted overtaking has revealed that it is not DRS that has been the sole reason for more spectacular racing. The sport's leading figures took a bold step this year in introducing a raft of changes to spice up the action - with overtaking being a key area where improvements were sought. Alongside the return of Pirelli, which arrived with an aggressive intention to make races better via their tyre compound choice, F1 also embraced the return of KERS and the introduction of the radical adjustable rear wing.

Kevin Michael Harvick Virgil Ernest Irvan III Kenny Dale Irwin Jr