F1 engine penalty system to be revised

On the back of an Austrian Grand Prix weekend where F1 faced criticisms for the excessive penalties being handed out for engine changes, F1's Strategy Group has agreed for tweaks to be made.

A statement issued by the FIA on Thursday said: "An overhaul of the power unit penalties has been unanimously agreed and will be submitted to the F1 Commission via an express fax vote for an adoption at the World Motorsport Council in Mexico City next week."

Extra engine for Honda

With Honda having faced a struggle since joining the grid this year, the Strategy Group has also changed the engine allowance rules.

From now on, new manufacturers will be allowed an extra power unit during their first season, and Honda will be given such a concession this year.

The statement added: "It was agreed to allow an extra power unit per driver in the first year to any new manufacturer entering the championship and, for the sake of fairness, the measure will apply retroactively to Honda for the 2015 season."

Costs addressed

The FIA and FOM are also to produce a set of measures relating to the "cost of supply, including full review of the token system, increase in race fuel allowances [and] limits on the usage of engine dynamometers."

Engine noise boost

The Strategy Group also approved plans, first revealed by Motorsport.com in May, for a tweak to the exhaust rules that will improve engine noise for 2016.