Formula One bosses on Friday deleted the controversial rule banning team orders from the sport, the World Motor Sport Council announced.
“The article forbidding team orders is deleted. Teams will be reminded that any actions liable to bring the sport into disrepute are dealt with under Article 151c of the International Sporting Code and any other relevant provisions,” said a statement after a meeting of the WMSC here.
The issue of team orders has plagued the sport.
Last season, Ferrari were fined 100,000 dollars after Felipe Massa was told to cede the lead of the German Grand Prix to teammate Fernando Alonso 18 laps from the end.
The rule, article 151.c, was introduced in 2002 after Rubens Barrichello gifted a win to then-Ferrari team-mate Michael Schumacher at the Austrian Grand Prix. AFP
Among the other changes for next season include: revisions to driving and driver conduct, a limit on the width of the fast lane in the pits and clarification on when cars can overtake the safety car, as well as the re- introduction of intermediate tires and an amendment requiring gearboxes to be used for five consecutive races instead of four.
The FIA also revealed a major technical revision for the 2013 season, with the introduction of a new engine formula replacing the current 2.4 liter V8s with 1.6 liter four-cylinder units. The new engines are expected to deliver 35 percent reduction in fuel consumption, while maintaining the same level of performance. Revolution limits on the engines will be reduced from the current 18,000 rpm to a maximum of 12,000 rpm.
Revisions for the 2012 season will include the use of biomass-derived fuels, tighter suspension regulations and team communications made available to broadcasters. MiamiHerald.com
Related statement from the WMSC:
A number of changes were made to the Sporting and Technical Regulations for 2011, including:
- The article forbidding team orders (39.1) is deleted. Teams will be reminded that any actions liable to bring the sport into disrepute are dealt with under Article 151c of the International Sporting Code and any other relevant provisions
- Amendments to the list of penalties Stewards are permitted to apply
- Revisions to driving and driver conduct
- A limit on the width of the fast lane in the pits
- The introduction of a regulation permitting the Race Director to close the pit lane during a race for safety reasons
- The re-introduction of intermediate tyres for 2011
- Penalties to be applied to any driver who fails to use both specification of dry weather tyre during the race
- An amendment requiring gearboxes to be used for five consecutive races, instead of four
- Clarification on when cars can overtake the safety car
- A refinement to the principles of the regulations already agreed concerning moveable rear wings
- A better definition of the reference plane, and reinforcement of bodywork deflection tests, especially at the front of the reference plane
- The allowance for anti-intrusion panels to protect drivers’ legs Formula 1
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