OCTOBER 11, 1999

Other FIA decisions

THE FIA World Council also introduced a number of detailed changes to the existing Formula 1 sporting regulations.

THE FIA World Council also introduced a number of detailed changes to the existing Formula 1 sporting regulations. These include a rule which will allow a driver who has been slow away from the pre-grid to overtake other cars and take up his usual position for the start - so long as this is done in a safe manner. Another potentially-important change is that if a race is stopped there will no longer be aggregate results. The second part of the race will be started with the grid in the finishing order of the first part. This will make it much easier for viewers to understand what is going on. Another rule which could have major implications is that a driver will be allowed to change cars after the formation lap if the start is delayed or the race is stopped before the end of the second lap. The race director will also be given the power to stop a car which is racing in the rain without an operational rear light. The car involved can restart if the light is then repaired. In addition teams must fit one of the FIA accident data recorders to their cars if they are at a test which involves more than one team. This means that if a team wants to do highly secret testing there will not be any recording devices present but that the FIA can use testing accident data to help improve the safety of the cars.

Other safety measures include a three-dimensional template the measure the cockpits and so improve side protection for the head of the driver and to ensure that energy-absorbing foam (which has been so successful in recent big accidents) is in the right place. A new side-impact crash test will be introduced in the area of the driver's legs and impacts speeds in crash tests will be increased slightly.

In addition F1 will use the ultra-clean fuel complying with the European Union Directive which comes into effect in 2006. There will also be a ban on aluminum beryllium, except for internal engine parts, with a total ban coming into force in JanuaryÊ2001.