FIA confirms 21-race 2016 F1 schedule
FIA also confirms changes to engine penalties and Super Licence system
During the Council meeting, the following decisions were taken:
The WMSC has approved the rule adjustments proposed by the F1 Strategy Group and approved by the F1 Commission. These are:
— The simplification of the power unit penalties, ensuring that the most a driver can be penalised is to be demoted to the rear of the grid – this will eliminate penalties during the race for these infractions.
— New power unit manufacturers to F1 will receive an extra power unit for each driver to use throughout Grands Prix for the season, bringing the total to five – one more than the existing power unit suppliers. This will be applied retrospectively to Honda.
— These changes to the sporting regulations will come into force with immediate effect.
— The provisional calendar for the 2016 FIA Formula One World Championship was approved:
April 3 - Australia
April 10 - China
April 24 - Bahrain
May 1 - Sochi
May 15 - Spain
May 29 - Monaco
June 12 - Canada
June 26 - UK
July 3 - Austria
July 17 - Baku
July 31 - Germany
August 7 - Hungary
August 28 - Belgium
September 4 - Italy
September 18 - Singapore
September 25 - Malaysia
October 9 - Japan
October 23 - USA
October 30 - Mexico
November 13 - Brazil
November 27 - Abu Dhabi
The WMSC approved the update of the Super Licence regulations with a view to:
— Increasing flexibility for drivers having qualified for a Super Licence, but do not have the opportunity to race in Formula One. These drivers will now keep this possibility for three years (eg. typical F1 test driver situation)
— Enlarging the list of Series included in the Super Licence point system following numerous requests from series for inclusion
— Adjusting of points given to some series already included to better reflect the strength of series.
— Granting the champion of the FIA Formula E Championship with a Super Licence, although the Championship is not part of the points system.