FIA to allow current F1 cars at demo events in 2018

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The FIA's World Motor Sport Council has approved a change to the F1's sporting regulations which will allow teams to use current-spec cars for demo runs at public events.

F1 has been restricted up to now from using their latest cars in special events such as London's F1 Live which took place in July before the British GP.

A current provision in the sporting rules permitting just a short, maximum 15 km run over the course of two days for current cars between the end of the season and the end of the calendar year is destined to cater to the needs of a championship winning team and its celebration agenda.

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Teams usually conduct demo runs with old machinery, but next year they will be able to use 2018 cars in demo events organised by Formula 1's Commercial Rights Holder.

The 15 km limit will remain however, and the rules specify that "no such demonstrations may take place on track configurations currently approved for use by Formula 1 cars."

After London's popular F1 Live celebration around Trafalgar Square in July, F1 CEO Chase Carey said there would likely be more events of the sort in the future in major cities of countries hosting a Grand Prix.

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.