JUNE 3, 2011
World Council decisions
At the FIA World Council meetings in Barcelona today, a number of decisions were taken concerning Formula One. The press release follows, and we will bring further analysis shortly: World Council decisions At the FIA World Council meetings in Barcelona today, a number of decisions were taken concerning Formula One. The press release follows, and we will bring further analysis shortly: A meeting of the World Motor Sport Council (WMSC) took place in Barcelona, Spain, today (3 June), and the following decisions were taken: FORMULA ONE Bahrain GP Following a fact-finding mission undertaken at the request of FIA President Jean Todt, FIA Vice President Carlos Gracia visited Bahrain on 31 May 2011 to assess the situation in the country. Meetings were conducted with the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the Bahrain Motor Federation and Bahrain International Circuit, as well as other national and international organisations including Mr. Tariq Al Saffar at the National Institute of Human Rights. It should be noted that the recent announcement by the King of Bahrain has established a political dialogue and reconciliation process. After considering all the factors and taking into consideration all stakeholders' concerns, the WMSC unanimously agreed to reinstate the Bahrain Grand Prix in the 2011 FIA Formula One World Championship. This decision reflects the spirit of reconciliation in Bahrain, which is evident from the strong support the race receives from the Government and all major parties in Bahrain, including the largest opposition group, all of whom endorse the Formula One Grand Prix and motor sport in the country. The WMSC feels that reinstating the Grand Prix is a means of helping to unite people as the country looks to move forward, and also recognises the commitment made by the Formula One teams, their employees and families, and personnel associated with the Championship including the local team of volunteers who are so vital to the event. The Bahrain Grand Prix will take place on 30 October, replacing the Indian Grand Prix, which will now become the final round of the 2011 Championship, combined with the FIA Annual General Assembly and Prize-Giving Gala. 2012 calendar The 2012 FIA Formula One World Championship calendar is confirmed as follows: 11/03 BHR Bahrain 18/03 AUS Australia 01/04 MYS Malaysia 08/04 CHN China 22/04 KOR Korea 06/05 TUR Turkey * 20/05 ESP Spain 27/05 MCO Monaco 10/06 CAN Canada 17/06 USA United States 01/07 ESP Valencia, Spain 15/07 GBR Great Britain 29/07 DEU Germany 05/08 HUN Hungary 02/09 BEL Belgium 09/09 ITA Italy 30/09 SGP Singapore 14/10 JPN Japan 28/10 IND India 11/11 ARE Abu Dhabi 25/11 BRA Brazil * Subject to confirmation 2013 Regulations The Technical Regulations for 2013 were approved: - 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, with extensive energy management and energy recovery systems (now known as ERS), reflecting the decision taken by the WMSC in December 2010 - The aerodynamic regulations have been based on 2011 rules, with modifications in order to improve the aerodynamic efficiency: together with the power train rules, this will enable a 35% reduction in fuel consumption - The height of the tip of the nose will be limited to ensure better compatibility in a T-bone style accident - A limitation on transmissions (gear ratios, number of gearboxes) in order to decrease costs - The overall weight of the car must be no less than 660kg In consultation with the main stakeholders, and following the outcome of this consultation, a fax vote by the WMSC could be considered by 30 June latest to redefine the implementation date of these technical regulations.