FEBRUARY 2, 2010

Teams approve new rules for 2010

In a meeting of the Formula One Commission yesterday, Formula One teams have approved a number of rule changes for the coming season.

In a meeting of the Formula One Commission yesterday, Formula One teams have approved a number of rule changes for the coming season.

Among the rule changes, and listed as, "Improving the show", cars that participate in the Q3 qualifying session will have to start the race on the same set of tyres that they qualified with.

The point system - which was changed to a 25-20-15-10-8-6-5-3-2-1 format in December - will now change to 25-18-15-12-10-8-6-4-2-1, with the goal being to give a greater incentive to "race to win".

Also, the number of dry weather tyres has been reduced from 14 to 11 sets, and in order to encourage teams to run of Friday, one set of tyres must be returned after the Friday morning session, and two further sets after the Friday afternoon session.

Also, 2011 diffusers rules will change, eliminating the double diffusers, and reducing the main diffuser height from 175mm to 125mm.

The FIA statement also said, "The Commission received a strong mandate from the FIA President to examine the introduction of new environmental technologies in the Championship. The mandate was warmly welcomed by the teams and further proposals will be developed", but no detailed plans were given.

The new proposals are due to be ratified by he FIA World Motor Sport Council at its next meeting, in two days.