F1 News, Reports and Race Results

FIA simplifies engine penalty system, well sort of...

Following an assembly of the FIA's World Motor Sport Council on Wednesday, the governing body revealed several amendments to F1's sporting and technical regulations.

In a bid to simplify the sport's much maligned engine penalty system - or at least make it less confusing - a change was approved, whereby if a driver incurs a penalty exceeding 15 grid places he will be required to start the race from the back of the starting grid.

If more than one driver receives such a penalty they will be arranged at the back of the grid in the order in which the offences were committed.

Hopefully, the new system will help fans work out more easily where a demoted driver shall potentially line up on the grid.

Other changes to the sporting and technical code include a provision for demonstration events of old F1 cars which does not constitute testing.

No such demonstrations may exceed 50km in length and only tyres manufactured specifically for this purpose by the appointed supplier may be used.

Furthermore, race organisers, in accordance with FOM, will be allowed to change a race weekend's timetable to "increase flexibility".

The WMSC also announced changes to ensure that oil cannot be used as fuel as well as the introduction of a detailed specification for fuel.

Finally, organisers of the Brazilian Grand Prix were issued with several security recommendation following the events which occurred last month at Interlagos, when crews of several F1 teams were the victims of theft or robbery attempts.

"The World Council was presented with the report on the security incidents that occurred at this year’s Brazilian Grand Prix which was requested from the Commercial Rights Holder (CRH) by the FIA.

"Following the report, the CRH recommended that the promoter, who is responsible for the security of the event, retains an independent security expert to evaluate and advise on security plans, implements a police reporting hub at the circuit and improves overall communication between the promoter security, police and F1 stakeholders.

"The World Council strongly urged the promoter to implement these recommendations and improve the situation ahead of next year’s event. The FIA will offer to participate in discussions with the local authorities and closely monitor the situation."

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Michael Delaney

Recent Posts

Norris gets a pole-position welcome at old primary school

Fresh from pre-season testing and with a world title now stitched onto his racing overalls,…

21 mins ago

Two on the trot for Laffite and Ligier in Brazil

On this day in 1979, Jacques Laffite won the Brazilian Grand Prix at Interlagos as…

1 hour ago

Russell hungry for ‘head-to-head’ title clash with Verstappen

George Russell is not hiding his appetite for a showdown this season in F1. In…

2 hours ago

Vowles confident Williams won’t start F1 season ‘on the back foot’

Williams may have missed the first public glimpse of Formula 1’s bold new era, but…

3 hours ago

Mercedes Allison’s big takeaway from F1’s Barcelona test

Mercedes technical director James Allison arrived in Barcelona last week bracing for chaos – and…

5 hours ago

Verstappen rules out F1 management role after retirement

Max Verstappen has made one thing crystal clear about life after Formula 1: don’t expect…

22 hours ago