The Covid-19 protocol validated for the recovery

The 2020 sporting regulations for the World Championship F1 was retouched by the World Motor Sport Council held this Friday in order to integrate the famous Covid-19 protocol (new Appendix S of the International Sports Code) which must be observed by those present in the paddock from the kick-off of the season in Austria at the beginning of July.

The decisions include:

– The possibility for commissioners to operate remotely in exceptional circumstances, if conditions require it
– Adjustments to shift curfew periods due to working conditions with physical distancing
– Changes to the tire allocation regulations to give greater operational flexibility to the FIA ​​and Pirelli
– An introduction of team personnel limits on the starting grid
– Adjustments to certain racing procedures (start, restart of the race, etc.)
– The definition of the podium ceremony for events behind closed doors or not to meet COVID-19 restrictions

Measures taken under the direction of the president of the FIA ​​medical commission, Professor Gérard Saillant, after discussions with the World Health Organization, on the front line of the current pandemic.

The FIA ​​has also validated the first part of the return to competition schedule, with a double Austrian opening at the beginning of July. Hungary, Silverstone, Barcelona, ​​Spa-Francorchamps and Monza will follow as expected.

Cost control still on the agenda

The specific changes to the Covid-19 protocol are not the only ones to have been ratified by the World Council today. Several adjustments to the 2020 and 2021 sporting and technical regulations have been studied and validated.

The parts whose development will be frozen in 2021 and a point of regulation around the fuel flow or the aero handicap system are among the articles modified by the FIA.

In 2021, teams will be limited in the number of software versions used over a year for cost control reasons, while fuel and oil specifications will also be limited over a year.