FIA Press Release on rule changes

PRESS RELEASE FROM THE FEDERATION INTERNATIONALE DE L'AUTOMOBILE (FIA) 13.05.94

Following the meetings in Paris held on May 4, 1994, the FIA today announced radical measures to improve the safety of drivers in Formula One and reduce the performance of Formula One cars.

These measures are as follows:

1994 Next Grand Prix (Barcelona 27-29 May): 1. The size of the rear underwing (diffuser) will be reduced. 2. All parts of the front wing behind the foremost part of the front wheel will be removed. 3. The front wing endplates will be raised by a further 10 mm.

For the Canadian Grand Prix (10-12 June): 1. Increased lateral protection for the driver's head. 2. Strengthened lower wishbone (to reduce the possibility of wheel striking the driver in the event of an accident.) 3. Increased minimum weight by 25 kg (to help with the above two measures.) 4. Longer cockpit opening (to reduce danger of driver striking his head.) 5. Pump fuel. Obtained by the FIA from one or more of 100 petrol stations nominated by the fuel supplier, and delivered to the team under the supervision of the FIA. 6. Elimination of the engine airbox (dynamic intake).

These measures will produce an immediate and appreciable reduction in engine power.

Mid-season (German Grand Prix 29-31 July): Introduction of the entire 1995 regulations for the reduction of aerodynamic performance (stepped flat bottom, etc.)

1995 1. A further reduction (minimum 50%) in aerodynamic downforce. The teams are to produce a proposal by August 1st 1994, failing which the FIA will adopt its own regulations. 2. Reduction of engine power to below 600 bhp by means of a fuel flow valve. 3. Increase the minimum weight of the car to 625 kg including the driver (an increase of 50 kg in the weight already decided for 1995.) 4. The current 200 litre fuel tank capacity will be retained for 1995 and beyond. 5. A very substantial increase in passive safety measures for drivers (see below.) 6. A continuing review of circuits with particular regard for parts of the circuit where an accident is not normally expected.

Details of these last two points will be decided by a special FIA Advisory Expert Group, chaired by Professor Sid Watkins, President of the FIA Medical Commission. He will be joined by the F1 Technical Delegate, a currently competing driver, a currently competing car designer, the Formula One Safety Delegate (Circuits), and outside experts chosen by the group. These experts will be from all the relevant areas (structural design, airbags, absorbent foams, crash testing techniques, measurement techniques, etc., etc.) The FIA will make such funds as may be necessary available for research purposes.

These measures have been introduced by the FIA as a matter of /force majeur/, it having proved impossible to obtain the consent required by the Concorde Agreement, notwithstanding extensive discussions with the parties involved.

Monaco 13.05.94