FIA agrees F1 changes

Following today’s meeting of the FIA World Motor Sport Council, which took place in Geneva, several changes have been agreed for the 2011 Formula 1 season.



Pirelli has been named as sole tyre supplier, following Bridgestone’s decision to withdraw after the 2010 championship. The contract will run for a term of three years, the Italian firm being chosen over rivals Michelin and Cooper Avon. Perhaps, though, it would give the series an extra competitive element if multiple tyre providers were represented?



Of potential concern to Lotus Racing, HRT F1 Team and Virgin Racing (plus any more newcomers) is the reintroduction of the ‘107%’ rule for next year. Originally included in the regulations from 1996 to 2002, it seems the increasingly widening gap in pace between teams has prompted its return.



It will mean that any driver whose first qualifying session performance exceeds 107% of the fastest time will not be allowed to take part in the race. However, sensibly, the WMSC has decided that in exceptional circumstances - such as previously setting a decent lap time in free practice - the stewards may allow a car to start from the back of the grid. This safeguard will mean that top-level drivers who fail to complete first qualifying, as Fernando Alonso did when he crashed his Ferrari at Monaco earlier this season, will still be able to participate.



In yet another attempt to increase overtaking opportunities, cars will be fitted with driver-adjustable rear wings in 2011. Only available after two laps have been completed, a driver will have to be less than a second behind a competitor at one of the pre-determined points around the circuit if he wants to use the system, which then becomes disabled when the brakes are used. Adjustable front wings, devices such as McLaren’s ‘F-duct’ and anything else that allows drivers to change the aerodynamics of their cars will be banned.



Away from F1, the WMSC also agreed that the name of the co-driver will now be displayed alongside that of the driver on the rear side windows of cars competing in the World Rally Championship. The ruling also applies to the FIA Regional Rally Championships, and comes into force with immediate effect. It seems only fair, because without their co-driver calling out the pace notes, a rally driver might as well get out and walk.