FIA approves 2011 and 2013 rules

The final meeting of the World Motor Sport Council (WMSC) in 2010 took place in the Principality of Monaco today.

This evening, the FIA will be honouring its Champions from around the world at the annual Prize Giving Gala held at the Sporting d’Eté de Monte-Carlo, Monaco. The awarding of the coveted trophies to winners across categories of the sport will mark the finale to the 2010 FIA season.

The WMSC approved the introduction of a new specification engine from 2013, underlining the FIA’s commitment to improving sustainability and addressing the needs of the automotive industry. Following dialogue with the engine manufacturers and experts in this field, the power units will be four cylinders, 1.6 litre with high pressure gasoline injection up to 500 bar with a maximum of 12,000 rpm.

The engines will deliver a 35% reduction in fuel consumption and will feature extensive energy management and energy recovery systems, while maintaining current levels of performance. In 2013, five engines will be permitted per driver, but each year after that the limit will be four.

A number of changes were made to the Sporting and Technical Regulations for 2011, including:

— The article forbidding team orders (39.1) is deleted. Teams will be reminded that any actions liable to bring the sport into disrepute are dealt with under Article 151c of the International Sporting Code and any other relevant provisions
— Amendments to the list of penalties Stewards are permitted to apply
— Revisions to driving and driver conduct
— A limit on the width of the fast lane in the pits
— The introduction of a regulation permitting the Race Director to close the pit lane during a race for safety reasons
— The re-introduction of intermediate tyres for 2011
— Penalties to be applied to any driver who fails to use both specification of dry weather tyre during the race
— An amendment requiring gearboxes to be used for five consecutive races, instead of four
— Clarification on when cars can overtake the safety car
— A refinement to the principles of the regulations already agreed concerning moveable rear wings
— A better definition of the reference plane, and reinforcement of bodywork deflection tests, especially at the front of the reference plane
— The allowance for anti-intrusion panels to protect drivers’ legs

Amendments to the 2012 Technical Regulations were made in the following areas:

— Team communications will be made available to broadcasters
— The inclusion of fuel compounds produced from biomass
— A limitation on suspension uprights