I don’t know how many of you watched the inaugural 2014 Australian Grand Prix, but you have certainly heard about the major changes in regulations implemented this season.

The most important alteration is obviously the switch from naturally-aspirated 2.4-liter V8 engines to turbocharged 1.6-liter V6 units. Major consequences result from this modification, with one of the most obvious being the dramatic reduction in engine noise – one the main reasons to attend races for many F1 fans.

Before the Australian Grand Prix, it wasn’t clear just how dramatic the noise reduction would be, but after the race fans and even organizers have complained, with the latter claiming their contract may have been breached because F1 cars were not loud enough.

“One aspect of it was just a little bit duller than it’s ever been before and that’s part of the mix and the chemistry that they’re going to have to get right,” said Andrew Westacott, Australian Grand Prix Corporation chief executive, according to The Guardian. The official said Melbourne did not get what it paid for and added that Grand Prix chairman Ron Walker discussed with Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone, making it clear organizers are unhappy.

“Ron spoke to Ecclestone after the race and said the fans don’t like it in the venue. We pay for a product, we’ve got contracts in place, we are looking at those very, very seriously because we reckon there has probably been some breaches,” Westacott explained. He added that he did not need earplugs in the pit lane at the start of the race and described the sounds as being like “harpsichords in a chamber orchestra.”

If you think the Australian official is exaggerating, just watch the following video that compares the sounds of last year’s F1 cars with those from 2014 on the pit straight at Albert Park.

By Dan Mihalascu

Story References: The Guardian
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