2007 sporting regulations approved

The World Motor Sport Council met in Barcelona on October 18, 2006. The following decisions were taken:

Formula One World Championship

In regard to the US$5 million fine against the National Sporting Authority of Turkey (TOSFED) and the Organisers of the Turkish Grand Prix (MSO), a US$2.5 million payment from MSO has been unanimously accepted. This removes MSO's liability. The remaining monies are still owed by TOSFED.

The following sporting regulations were approved for the 2007 FIA Formula One World Championship.

Practice

Teams may only use two cars in any one practice session. A nominated third driver or either race driver can use these cars in the session.

The two free practice sessions on the first day of practice have been extended from one hour to ninety minutes each.

Tyres

The single tyre supplier is required to provide identical quantities and specifications of tyres to all teams over a calendar year.

It may only provide two specifications of tyre at each Event.

The quantity of dry-weather tyres each driver may use at an Event has been increased from seven sets to 14. A maximum of four sets will be available to each driver for the first day of practice and 10 for the remainder of the Event.

Engines

The two-race engine regulations will now only apply to the second day of practice and the day of the race.

Engines homologated and used during the last two Events of 2006 must now be used during the 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010 seasons.

Safety Car

When the Safety Car is deployed no car is permitted to enter the pits until all are bunched up behind the Safety Car. This is to remove all incentive for cars to be driven quickly back to the pits for refuelling when the Safety Car is deployed.

Before the Safety Car returns to the pits any lapped car between cars running on the lead lap must pass those cars and the safety car. It may then proceed around the track to take up position at the back of the line of cars behind the safety car.

Before a race is resumed any lapped car between cars running on the lead lap must pass those cars and the safety car and then proceed around the track to take up position at the back of the line of cars behind the safety car.

Stewards

The stewards may now impose grid place penalties.

The following sporting regulations were approved for the 2008 FIA Formula One World Championship.

*FIA ECU to be fitted for all testing in addition to races.
*A 10 place grid penalty will be issued for an engine change, as opposed to a weight penalty.
*A five place grid penalty will be issued for a gearbox change, as opposed to a weight penalty.
*Gear ratios may be changed once per race under supervision.
*Damaged gear ratios and dog rings may be changed without penalty provided it is evident physical damage has not been made deliberately.

Ferrari's request to supply two teams with engines in the 2008 championship has been accepted.

A number of technical regulations were also approved for the 2007 and 2008 championships.

-credit: fia