The Playstation era is over! Manual gearboxes are the rule beginning with the 2008 season.

We will now see who can really drive.

Here is a summary of the mechanical changes for 2008:

- 2.4 V8 engines (slightly less power)if a team cannot get
2.4 engines they may use 3.0 V10's with govenors.
- reduction in weight by 50kg
- no electronic aides that replace driver skill
- 10% reduction of down force over 2007 cars
- all cars with a starter button
- no spare car
- standard brakes and calipers - standardized among teams
- no power steering
- manual gearbox with mechanical linkage and a clutch pedal with standard internals
- ECU to be governed by the FIA (also sensors)
- Body width increased
- No barge boards, winglets or flip ups allowed

This has been done to make F1 more SPORTING by increasing reliance on driver skill, reduce costs to independent and midpack teams, reduce track building costs and increase track worker safety due to concern over increasing speeds.