FIA introduces changes

By subh
January 16 2003

Following the recent collapse of both the Prost and Arrows teams, and reported financial difficulties for Jordan and Minardi, the FIA have moved to change things to prevent the loss of further teams. In addition, they have introduced rule changes aimed at improving the spectacle of racing

The FIA’s full statement reads as follows -

“Despite the disappearance of two Formula One teams in the past twelve months, nothing has been done to save money. Last October, the Formula One teams rejected all the FIA’s cost-saving proposals. The teams themselves have had several meetings, but produced nothing. The FIA therefore invited the teams to a meeting at Heathrow Airport today [Wednesday, 15 January 2003] and informed them that, in order to reduce costs and improve the racing, it will rigorously apply existing rules from the start of the coming season, in order to immediately:

Eliminate pit to car telemetry;
Eliminate car to pit telemetry;
Eliminate all radio communication between team and driver;
Allow only two cars per team (i.e. no spare car);
Place cars in parc fermé between final qualifying and the race (teams will be unable to work on them, except under strict supervision);
Eliminate traction control, launch control and fully automatic gearboxes (possible derogation for all or part of 2003 to be followed by absolute enforcement in 2004, if necessary by means of standard electronic control units);
and that the FIA will also:

Allow teams to use common components;
For 2004 it intends to introduce sporting rules which will:
Require the use of a standard braking system;
Require the use of a standard rear wing;
Require the use of long-life components;
Ensure that car manufacturers involved in Formula One supply engines to all competing teams;

For 2005 it intends to bring in further sporting rules to require:
Engine life to be extended from one to two races;
A further extension to the life of major components;
New penalties for engine or component changes outside permitted times;

For 2006 it intends to bring in a further sporting rule to require:
Engine life to be extended to six races;
The FIA will also seek the agreement of the teams to introduce a new technical regulation to:
Eliminate the use of expensive exotic materials in any part of the car, including the engine.
The FIA note detailing and explaining the above was handed to the teams today.”

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