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.

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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."

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